phd health behavior online

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Ph.D. in Health Behavior

Advancing healthy behaviors and effective preventions.

Our Ph.D. in Health Behavior allows you to pursue research across a spectrum of subjects from the broad field of applied health science. You will work with fellow outstanding students and an award-winning faculty in a versatile department that emphasizes the study of the promotion of health and the prevention of health problems. Whether your career goals involve research, teaching in higher education, or executive leadership positions within governmental health agencies, this degree is designed to support your individual needs.

See degree information in the bulletin

Learn more about the Department of Applied Health Science

See faculty in this program

Meet our students

A comprehensive and collaborative program

Our doctoral program in health behavior trains students to conduct rigorous research to address today's most pressing public health issues. Student take coursework in health behavior, quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, and a minor area outside of our department. Most importantly, PhD students work closely with a faculty advisor to design a program of study and conduct independent research including the dissertation. The faculty members available to advise new doctoral students are listed in our faculty directory . Prospective students are encouraged to communicate with a potential advisor to confirm a match of research interests before applying

Tips for your Application

• A master's degree is required for admission.
• In your research statement, clearly articulate your area of research interest, any research experience you have, what research questions you would like to pursue as a doctoral student, which faculty member you have identified and communicated with as a potential doctoral advisor, and your plans after completion of the degree.
• Make sure that your recommendation letters speak to your potential to conduct research.
• If you have one, include a writing sample that demonstrates any research experience or skills that you have.
• Applicants are required to complete both a SOPHAS  and Indiana University application .

Funding for PhD Students

Our PhD students receive a funding package that includes a stipend, student health insurance, and tuition remission. First year PhD students are appointed as Research Assistants and work with their advisor on research projects. Starting in the second year, our students gain valuable teaching experience as Associate Instructors after taking a pedagogy course during their first semester.

PhD Course Sequence

Although there is a lot of flexibility in the courses that PhD students can choose to take, most students take the following sequence of core doctoral level courses:

Year 1: Methods for public health research, Advanced health behavior theory, Quantitative methods

Year 2: Advanced evaluation research in public health, Pedagogy in health behavior, Acquiring external funds for research, Qualitative methods

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School of Public Health-Bloomington 1025 E. Seventh Street, Suite 111 Bloomington, IN 47405-7109

Phone: 812-855-1561 Fax: 812-855-4983

Admissions Requirements (Ph.D.)    

Student Learning Outcomes     

Program Overview

This online program is designed for the practicing health care professional who wants to assume leadership roles in academia, research and/or health and human services practice settings. The core curriculum is comprised of four content themes: teaching, leadership and healthcare issues, discipline related and research (including dissertation). There are limited expectations for face-to-face contact through resident experiences at an initial orientation and a one-week dissertation boot camp. Learn more at usd.edu/onlinephd-hs .

DELIVERY: Online

Doctor of Philosophy, Health Sciences

Major area coursework - 75 credit hours, teaching (9-15 credit hours):.

• AHED 701 - Adult Learning Theories 3 cr
• AHED 751 - College Curriculum 3 cr
• HSC 795 - Practicum (C) 3 cr (Teaching Practicum in Health Sciences)

Select 0-6 credit hours from the following courses:

• AHED 752 - Organization and Administration in Higher Education 3 cr
• AHED 775 - Trends and Issues in Training and Development 3 cr
• AHED 882 - Seminar in College Teaching 3 cr
• Advisor Approved Elective

Leadership & Issues in Health & Human Services (9-15 credit hours):

• HSC 700 - Globalization and Health 3 cr
• MAIS 710 - Ethical Leadership 3 cr
• HSC 760 - Leadership in Health Care 3 cr
• ACP 754 - Public Policy & Addiction 3 cr
• HSAD 710 - Contemporary Issues in Health Services Administration 3 cr
• HSAD 740 - International Health Systems 3 cr
• HSAD 770 - Managing Health Services Resources 3 cr
• NURS 812 - Leadership Development in Healthcare Policy and Advocacy 3 cr
• NURS 861 - Leadership Development in Quality Improvement in Nursing for Health Systems 3 cr
• NURS 863 - Leadership Development in Healthcare Business 3 cr
• OCTH 759 - Trauma Informed Care: Pediatrics 3 cr
• OCTH 792 - Topics (C) 1-3 cr
• POLS 715 - Nonprofit Administration 3 cr
• PUBH 740 - Introduction to Health Systems and Policy 3 cr
• PUBH 750 - Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health 3 cr
• PUBH 760 - Public Health and Native American Communities 3 cr
• SOCW 600 - Social Policy Analysis 3 cr
• SOCW 640 - Diversity and Social Justice in Rural and Urban Communities 3 cr
• SOCW 700 - Advanced Social Policy and Advocacy for Social Justice 3 cr
• SOCW 742 - Advanced Practice in Supervision 3 cr

Discipline-Related coursework (15 credit hours):

• May choose 15 credits from prior master’s or professional doctorate coursework - Subject to Advisor Approval

Research (15-27 credit hours minimum):

• EDER 761 - Graduate Research & Design (C) 3 cr
• HSC 703 - Grant Writing and Grantmanship 3 cr
• OR   CPHD 703 - Grant Writing and Grantmanship 3 cr
• HSC 890 - Seminar (C) 1-3 cr (taken 3 times at 1 cr hr each) 3 credit hours required
• HSC 890 Seminar  (taken 1 time at 3 cr hr) 3 credit hours
• PUBH 701 - Biostatistics for Public Health 3 cr

Select 0-12 credit hours from the following:

• HSC 763 - Qualitative Research Methods in the Health Sciences 3 cr
• PUBH 710 - Epidemiology 3 cr
• PUBH 711 - Topics in Applied Biostatistics 3 cr

Dissertation (15 credit hours):

• HSC 898 - Dissertation (C) 1-9 cr (15 credit hours required)

60% of coursework must be completed at USD. Up to  30 credits from an institutionally-accredited institution (including USD) may be transferred in from the master’s or professional doctorate, subject to approval by the Program director and the Graduate School.

General Application Requirements

• Completed application
• $35 application fee
• Official transcripts*
• Letters of recommendation*
• Statement of purpose

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here:  link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

State Authorization- It Matters Where You Live

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.  

State Authorization

School of Health Sciences 605-658-6500 |  [email protected] |  usd.edu/health

Graduate Admissions 605-658-6140 | [email protected]   | usd.edu/grad

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Offered By: Department of Health, Behavior and Society

Onsite | Full-Time | 3 – 5 years

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About the PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences Program

The PhD program in Social and Behavioral Sciences is designed for individuals seeking training for careers as social and behavioral scientists, health educators, and health promotion or communication specialists in the public health arena. The curriculum centers on the application of social and behavioral science perspectives to research on contemporary health problems, with a focus on understanding and influencing the social contexts and behaviors relevant to health. In addition to coursework, students complete a written exam at the end of the first year and gain experience in research skills and approaches. With faculty guidance, students develop and present a dissertation protocol in an oral exam. The final dissertation defense is conducted as an oral exam that includes a public seminar.

The program provides rigorous training in research methodology, theory, and program design and evaluation. Research is primarily focused in two areas—health education and communication, and social and psychological influences on health.

PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences Program Highlights

Interdisciplinary theory.

with multi-level perspective

Rigorous methods

with practical application to contemporary health problems

Application of behavioral and social science perspectives

with attention to context

Community engagement

to understand and influence health behaviors that are risk factors in disease and illness

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Social and Behavioral Sciences?

Visit the  Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

• Postdoctoral Fellow
• Research Public Health Analyst
• Social Scientist, Food and Drug Administration Center for Tobacco Products
• Health Scientist-Alcohol Program
• Project Director
• Senior Communications Adviser
• Tenure Track Faculty
• Senior Program Officer
• Director of Clinical and Academic Research
• Senior Consultant
• Research and Evaluation Officer
• Program Director, Department of Public Health

Curriculum for the PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue , explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory , and find many more details in the program's Student Handbook . 

Research Areas

The emphasis of the curriculum is on the application of behavioral and social science perspectives to research on contemporary health problems. Understanding and influencing health behaviors that are risk factors in disease and illness, as well as behaviors that can be considered protective and health enhancing, are strengths of the program.

Rigorous training in research methods and program design and evaluation are also key elements of the curriculum. The program focuses its research in the following areas.

This area focuses on the application of principles from education, communication, behavioral, social science and psychological theories to encourage health behaviors conducive to optimal health in individuals, groups and communities. Students are exposed to current research on health education and communication, with particular focus on multilevel, ecological models of health and health behavior, design and evaluation of multifaceted intervention programs and patient-provider communication.

This area focuses on social and psychological factors and processes in the etiology and prevalence of disease in health-care-seeking behavior, disease prevention, long-term care and rehabilitation. Students are exposed to current research on health knowledge, attitudes and beliefs; social and psychological factors in disease etiology; risk reduction; and cultural influences in public health, including cross-cultural and multilevel studies.

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page.

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are  optional  for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Katherine Clegg Smith

Katherine Clegg Smith, PhD, MA, is a sociologist who examines health experiences and health communication, with a research focus on cancer and chronic disease.

Carl Latkin

Carl Latkin, PhD, conducts biobehavioral interventions for disadvantaged communities, with a focus on social networks, substance use, infectious diseases, and mental health.

Roland J. Thorpe, Jr.

Roland J. Thorpe, Jr., PhD, MS, is a gerontologist and social epidemiologist with nationally-recognized expertise in minority aging, men’s health, and place-based disparities.

Carol R. Underwood

Carol Underwood, PhD '93, MA, MA, studies the role of gender, social class, and marginalization in global health outcomes to contribute to the wellbeing of populations.

Get to Know Our Current Doctoral Students

Learn more about our doctoral students' research interests, publications, and more through our HBS doctoral student pages.

Full-time PhD students matriculating in or after 2022 will receive the following support for the first four years of the program: full tuition and matriculation fee, individual health insurance, University Health Services clinic fee, vision insurance, and dental insurance.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU  starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Application and Admissions Procedural Questions

Please direct questions about application and admissions procedures to the BSPH Admissions Office.

Email:   [email protected] Phone:   410-955-3543

General Academic Questions

For general academic questions about the PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences program, please contact our Department's doctoral program coordinator, Krystal Lee, EdD, MPA.

Email:   [email protected]

Still accepting applications for online and hybrid programs!

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The doctoral program in Health Behavior and Health Education prepares professionals for research, teaching, service, and leadership positions with the overall objective of improving the health of populations. To meet this objective, all students in the program are trained to conduct independent research. The primary focus is on applied research that informs the development of interventions and policies to promote health at the individual, community, population, societal, and/or global levels.

Students enter the doctoral program in Health Behavior & Health Education after having completed a relevant Master's degree. Each student in the PhD program is expected to meet minimum requirements for a set of competencies. Upon completion of the program, each doctoral student will have the ability to:

• develop scientific literacy. This includes a critical understanding of the scientific method, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and the ability to critically evaluate scientific literature;
• understand the history of theoretical knowledge in health behavior and education, and in public health and social sciences more broadly. Understand how these historical developments reflect broader changes in political and cultural values, and scientific ethics;
• demonstrate the ability to synthesize and apply scientific knowledge to develop new conceptual models and/or research hypotheses. This includes justifying new question(s) with existing literature, selecting appropriate methodologies for their examination, and indicating potential contributions of the proposed research; and
• acquire professional skills in the production of their own ideas. This includes developing skills in scientific writing, oral communication, grant-writing, teaching, and scientific service.

Students enter the Doctoral Program in Health Behavior and Health Education after having completed a relevant master's degree, often the Master's of Public Health ( MPH ). Course requirements usually entail between one and a half and two and a half years of full-time coursework and study, depending on the student's background, desired electives, and success on the preliminary examination.

Core Curriculum

The basic core curriculum of the program consists of four doctoral seminars, a minimum of three additional substantive courses offered by the department, two courses in research methods, two advanced-level courses in statistics, and two terms of supervised research experience. Students must also achieve a basic level of proficiency in biostatistics and epidemiology.

Foundations of Public Health Practice

All PhD students must complete an online course, Foundations of Public Health Practice, which is offered as a non-credit requirement. Students must pass the course exam with a cumulative score of 80% or better to fulfill this degree requirement. PhD students must complete this requirement while in pre-candidate status.

Biostatistics

Students must complete the following course to fulfill the Biostatistics requirement:

• BIOSTAT521: Applied Biostatistics

An exemption may be granted for students who took a similar course at another university prior to enrolling in the PhD program.

Epidemiology

Students must complete the following course to meet the Epidemiology requirement:

• EPID601: Principles and Methods of Epidemiology

Doctoral Seminar Requirements

• HBEHED800: Seminar in Health Behavior and Health Education
• HBEHED823: Structural Influences on Health and Social Behavior
• HBEHED885: Health Education Models of Practice and Interventions at the Community Level
• HBEHED886: Theory-driven Interventions Targeting Individual Behavior Change
• HBEHED821: Intervention Research Design

Additional HBHE Courses

Doctoral students must also take three substantive courses offered within the Department, in addition to any HBHE courses taken to satisfy the Research Methods requirement. The selection of specific courses to satisfy this requirement should be made in consultation with the student's advisor.

Advanced Statistics

The program requires a minimum of six hours of advanced statistics above and beyond the basic biostatistics course requirements. This requirement may be satisfied by courses offered outside the department. Students have satisfied these requirements by taking courses offered in the Biostatistics, Psychology, and Sociology, and other departments across the university that are offered for graduate-level credit.

Research Methods

The program requires a minimum of six hours of research methods. This requirement may be satisfied by courses offered inside or outside the department. Students have satisfied these requirements by taking courses offered in HBHE, Psychology, Sociology, and other departments across the university that are offered for graduate level credit.

Research Experience

The intent of the research experience requirement is to enable the student to obtain hands-on training in one or more ongoing research projects. Students are expected to participate in supervised research for at least two terms (the equivalent of six credit hours). This research can be conducted under the direction of a faculty member from either inside or outside the department, and should be arranged in consultation with the student's faculty advisor.

Rackham Graduate School requires that all students select a cognate area to ensure more in-depth training in a specific field of study outside of that offered in the home department. The faculty advisor should guide the student in selecting the cognate area. Students are encouraged to make plans for their cognate areas by the end of their first year.

The HBHE cognate requirement is fulfilled by nine hours of coursework in the chosen area (usually three courses, none of which are in or cross-listed with HBHE). Cognate areas chosen by previous students have included Social Psychology, Women's Studies, Communications, Aging, Population Studies, Public Policy, Native American Studies, and Business Administration to name a few.

In addition to fulfilling the core and cognate requirements, students will take additional coursework selected on the basis of their own backgrounds and interests. Any course in the department can be taken as an elective, but some courses have been designated with differing requirements for doctoral and masters students.

NOTE: Elective courses do not include courses used to satisfy any of the other aforementioned requirements.

Funding for Doctoral Students

All students admitted to one of our doctoral programs are considered for financial support. There are four types of financial support that we offer our students: Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA), Training Grants and Fellowships.

Graduate Student Instructor (GSI)

Graduate Student Instructors are appointed at 50% effort, which involves working approximately 20 hours per week. This appointment includes full payment of tuition, health insurance coverage, registration fees, and a monthly stipend. The duties of a GSI can include preparing materials for labs, teaching labs, holding office hours, grading homework and exams, and tutoring.

Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA)

Graduate Student Research Assistants are appointed at 50% effort, which involves working approximately 20 hours per week on a research project. This appointment includes full payment of tuition, health insurance coverage, registration fees, and a monthly stipend. GSRAs generally work closely with a faculty member who is a principal or co-investigator on the research project. The duties of the GSRA can involve analysis of biomedical research data or statistical research. Currently, GSRAs are working on projects involving statistical methods development and application to bioinformatics, cancer, clinical trials, dentistry, diabetes, environmental health, epidemiology, genetics, health education, kidney disease, and survival analysis.

Training Grants

Some students are supported through involvement in training grants which provide support similar to the GSRA or GSI appointments. Check with your department for specific training grants available.

Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards

Awards for tuition assistance are available and are granted without a work obligation. These awards are generally made on the basis of academic merit, expected contribution to the field, and to students with underrepresented backgrounds. Some examples of awards our students have received include:

• Harold and Vivian Shapiro/John Malik/Jean Forrest Awards
• Rackham Merit Fellowship Program
• Rackham Non-Traditional Fellowship

Other award/scholarship opportunities exist for continuing students. They include:

• Rackham One-Term Dissertation Fellowship
• Barbour Scholarship
• Pre-Doctoral Fellowship
• Susan Lipschutz, Margaret Ayers Host, and Anna Olcott Smith Awards for Rackham Graduate Students
• Rackham Conference Travel Grant

Financial Aid for Doctoral Students

Many of our students are offered funding as GSIs, GSRAs or graduate fellows. If you do not receive such an offer, you may apply for financial aid through the University of Michigan’s Office of Financial Aid . This office requires applicants for any and all types of financial aid to complete the Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA) provided by the American College Testing Center (ACTC) .

A FAFSA will be sent to you directly if you indicate your interest in financial assistance on the admission application form. FAFSAs are available from most high school or college libraries and financial aid officers, as well as from the School of Public Health Office for Student Engagement and Practice.

Current Doctoral Student Profiles

View Current Health Behavior & Health Education Doctoral Student Profiles

Application Deadline and Requirements

• Final deadline for application: December 1.
• Applicants are expected to have completed a relevant Master's degree.
• Transcripts from degree-granting universities and three letters of recommendation.

Admission Procedure

• Applicants for Health Behavior & Health Education's PhD program must complete the Rackham Graduate School application .

Minimum Requirements for Applying

• Relevant Master's degree granted prior to admission

Application Information

• Statement of Purpose - a concise, well-written essay about your career goals and how the graduate program will help you meet your career and education objectives. (Please follow prompts listed in the application.)
• Personal Statement - a brief description about your background.
• Upload an electronic version of your official transcript(s) for each Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral degree earned or in progress through your ApplyWeb application account. ​​​​​​​​​​
• If you are recommended for admission, the Rackham Graduate School will require official transcript(s). Recommended applicants will receive an email notification when the official transcript(s) are required for submission. All students are asked to include an electronic unofficial transcript during the online application.
• Review Required Academic Credentials from Non-U.S.Institutions for transcript/academic record requirements by country or region. Submitting transcript/academic records is a two-step process.
• ​​​​​Upload an electronic version of your official transcript/academic record for each institution attended through your ApplyWeb application account.
• At the time of application, you must also submit an official transcript/academic record for each institution attended. See Rackham’s detailed instructions on how to submit transcripts/academic records to the Rackham Graduate School. 
• Three Letters of Recommendation - academic and professional recommendation are desired; personal recommendations are not accepted. All letters of recommendations should be submitted electronically.
• Application Code : 00222

Michigan Public Health does not require and does not review GRE or other standardized test scores for admission to any master's or doctoral programs. Applications will be reviewed holistically based on required application components. Please contact our admissions staff at [email protected] if you have questions.

International Applicants

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency (TOEFL scores). The TOEFL University of Michigan Institution Code is 1839. Applicants who have earned a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is exclusively English are exempt from submitting an official English proficiency score.

Test of English Foreign Language (TOEFL): Applicants must submit an official TOEFL score to the University of Michigan Institution Code (1839).

• The minimum acceptable TOEFL score required for admission is 100 Internet-based (iBT, including ITP Plus and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition).

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Official IELTS scores are sent electronically to the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

• The minimum requirement is 7.0

Applicants must submit an official TOEFL score to the University of Michigan Institution Code (1839).

Additional information for those who may be admitted.

Student Handbook

A detailed overview of the program and curriculum may be found in our Doctoral Student Handbook

Student experience and support

Ready to Apply?

Visit the Admissions & Aid section of the U-M SPH site for details on the application process and financial aid options.

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PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership Degree Transform Mental Health Care

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Prepare for a Career in Behavioral and Mental Health Administration with Liberty’s PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership

Are you an experienced behavioral health professional looking to take the next step in your career? With Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership, you can develop the skills needed to pursue administrative and management positions in mental and behavioral health organizations. Throughout this program, you will be trained in advanced research methods as well as practical leadership skills – providing you with an effective blend of theory and praxis to facilitate your career growth.

The skills you gain throughout the doctorate in behavioral health leadership can help equip you for a variety of job opportunities. You could go on to pursue a career in research or teach at the collegiate level, or you may take on top-level administrative positions in behavioral health settings. The PhD in Psychology is a research-oriented program, so the courses you take will emphasize a more theoretical approach to human behavior – enabling you to solve important problems in the field.

As a graduate of our online psychology program, you can be better equipped to pursue leadership roles, manage teams and organizations, and address research issues within the field of behavioral health. Partner with us and prepare to make a greater impact on your community as a research expert and leader in psychology.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Online PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership Degree?

At Liberty, we’re committed to helping you reach your goals without putting your life on hold. That’s why we’ve designed our PhD in Psychology to be 100% online. With our top-notch distance learning platform, you’ll have the freedom to pursue your doctorate from the comfort of home. Additionally, you can complete this degree in as little as 3 years – faster than a typical doctoral program – saving you time and money.

Like many students, you may be wondering whether an online education offers the same rigor and credibility as an on-campus program. At Liberty, you can rest assured that the degree you’re earning is of the highest quality. We are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ) – and our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . With an online degree from Liberty, you can prepare to pursue your career goals with confidence.

Throughout the PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership degree program, you’ll study under faculty who have advanced degrees and years of experience in related fields. Drawing on what they have learned in their own careers, our professors will teach you effective leadership techniques, essential research methods, and important ethical considerations. With their guidance, you can gain an in-depth understanding of human thought and behavior. You’ll also receive support from our faculty as you develop your own original research to contribute to the current body of knowledge in the field of psychology.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership Degree Online?

This program is broken down into 3 parts: core psychology courses, the behavioral health leadership specialization, and a dissertation sequence. With such a well-rounded array of courses, you can build on your previous study and experience in psychology and behavioral health while preparing for new roles in leadership and administration.

The core courses cover a variety of topics such as research, statistics, and analysis. You’ll also study the relationship between Christianity and psychology – particularly how a biblical worldview is compatible with empirical research in psychology and how they can be used together in the pursuit of truth. Additionally, you’ll explore how to effectively teach the subject of psychology at the college level in both residential and online settings. By developing a strong foundation in research and teaching methods, you can train to become a thought leader in your field.

Within the behavioral health leadership specialization, you’ll explore the concept of management in behavioral and mental health settings. Some of the topics you’ll study include theories and research in behavioral health, leadership and development, strategic planning and management, and contemporary topics in behavioral health. You will also be able to customize your degree by choosing from a list of available courses. Depending on which topics interest you, you could study grant writing, program evaluation, organizational consulting, behavioral healthcare policy, or healthcare financial management.

Lastly, you will round out your degree by completing a rigorous sequence of dissertation courses. As you research, write, and defend your dissertation, you can explore important issues in behavioral health and develop valuable research to help address challenges and further advances in your field.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Administrator/director of a behavioral or mental health organization
• Grant writer
• Nonprofit organization leader
• Program or department head
• Project manager

Featured Courses

• PSYC 718 – Theories and Research in Behavioral Health
• PSYC 780 – Strategic Planning and Management
• PSYC 828 – Contemporary Topics in Behavioral Health
• PSYC 840 – Leadership and Development

Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences .
• View the Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides (login required).
• View the PhD in Psychology Dissertation Handbook .
• The online PhD in Psychology is a non-clinical, non-licensure program.

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Requirements for Liberty’s PhD in Psychology Online Program

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Contact information for 2 recommenders is required (approved recommenders are the student’s former college professors or supervisors).
• Statement of Purpose is required (1,000-1,500 words, double spaced).
• Departmental approval is required.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is liberty accredited.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ).

How long does it take to complete this program?

You can complete this doctorate in behavioral health leadership in as little as 3 years!

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PhD, Behavioral and Community Health

Conduct research to develop innovative public health interventions

Acquire and apply essential research skills to determine the health needs of populations, design, implement and evaluate programs and policies aimed at improving the public's health.

• Request Info

Perfect for...

• Students who are passionate about designing interventions to influence individual and community-level health behavior and health policy
• Students looking for a full-time in-person experience
• Students who want exceptional and tailored advising
• Students who seek to excel as public health leaders 

Career Paths

• Public Health Analyst
• Senior Study Director
• Behavioral Epidemiologist
• Senior Research Analyst
• Postdoctoral Fellow
• Assistant Scientist
• Assistant Professor
• Director of Healthy Equity Research

Program Overview

The doctoral program in Behavioral and Community Health develops health professionals competent in understanding the health needs of populations and qualified to conduct research to inform programs and policies aimed at improving the public's health. Students will develop research skills essential in making significant contributions to the scientific and professional literature in behavioral and community health.

See all Behavioral and Community Health graduate student resources .

For more information, see the Behavioral and Community Health Flyer .

• Build emergent themes and sub-themes within qualitative data which require re-reading of text and an iterative process of data aggregation and interpretation;
• Discuss the appropriateness of a variety of statistical techniques to analyze quantitative data;
• Run intermediate-level quantitative statistical techniques using a packaged program; 
• Choose major social, behavioral and public health theories to use with the design and evaluation of interventions;
• Apply behavior change theories in the development of research questions and hypotheses, intervention development, evaluation approaches;
• Identify and use mobile/computer apps to gather information or collect data for use in the evaluation of research;
• Manage traditional and new media to communicate health information (e.g., statistics, reports) effectively;
• Build data validation tools to measure behavioral factors that influence community health;
• Write a research proposal for theory-based research;
• Select an appropriate research design;
• Conceptualize theoretical framework to be studied;
• Conduct all aspects of single item and multi-item scale variable creation;
• Conduct univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis; interpret the results;
• Write a manuscript including introduction, methods, results, conclusions, tables, and figures;
• Develop and communicate a comprehensive evaluation plan for health-related interventions at both the environmental and individual level, including a selection of a sample strategy, evaluation design, and appropriate statistical analyses;
• Apply evidence-based approaches in the development and evaluation of social and behavioral science interventions

Students admitted to the doctoral program in behavioral and community health will complete 78 credit hours of coursework/dissertation research.

Katherine Sharp, PhD Director of Graduate Studies

[email protected] (301) 405-2464

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• PhD Health Behavior Health Promotion

Offered On Campus in Tucson

The PhD in Health Behavior Health Promotion (HBHP) is offered by the Department of Health Promotion Sciences . The doctoral degree program in Health Behavior Health Promotion has an emphasis on the biological, behavioral, and socio-cultural determinants of health and health behavior, as well as the interventions and policies aimed at improving community and population health.  The doctoral program offers a diverse and challenging curriculum addressing health behavior health promotion theory, knowledge and skills for working on health issues within the diverse communities of the Southwestern United States.

Outstanding course performance and strong evidence for research interest and aptitude in health behavior health promotion is required for all admitted students.  A bachelor's degree is required for entry into the PhD program.  However, applicants without a prior related master’s degree will complete a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in route to their PhD in Health Behavior Health Promotion. The MSPH develops the student's ability to think critically, develop and execute research, while also providing depth in health behavior health promotion, epidemiology and biostatistics, essential skills of a future PhD student and health promotion health behavior scholar.

The MSPH is not a stand-alone degree; students interested in graduate studies in HBHP who are uncertain of a research career focus are encouraged to discuss applying for the Master of Public Health (MPH) with department faculty and MEZCOPH’s Office of Student Services and Alumni Affairs. The MPH with a concentration in HBHP affords sound preparation for the PhD program while foremost being designed as a functional terminal degree for immediate workforce entry.

The doctoral program requires approximately four to five years for completion. The first two years of this time are usually devoted to coursework, the comprehensive doctoral examinations, and development of doctoral research. The program is research oriented and centers on a major research project.

Admission Criteria Application Deadlines How to Apply

For Students Entering with a Master’s Degree – 63 Units

The PhD curriculum requires a minimum of 63 credit hours (units). Of this, 18 units are required from major courses; 3 units are required on US minority/health disparities; 3 units on health promotion research content electives;  12 units of other electives; 9 units (minimum) for the minor; and 18 units for the dissertation.   A maximum of 30 units from a prior degree may be applied towards an admitted student, pending review by the student’s advisory committee. The 63 unit curriculum is detailed below.

PhD in Health Behavior Health Promotion Competencies

Required Major Courses (18 units)

• BIOS 576B Biostatistics for Research (3) *
• HPS 585 Public Health Fundamentals for Researchers (3) +
• HPS 607 Qualitative Research Methods in Public Health (3)
• HPS 609 Evaluating Public Health Literature (1)
• HPS 620A Advanced Research Methods in Health Promotion I  (3) §
• HPS 6 18 Introduction to Systematic Review (3)
• HPS 696L Health Behavior Health Promotion Seminar (1 unit; 2 times) §

*Note: BIOS 576A or other introductory graduate statistics course is a prerequisite for BIOS 576B.  Another graduate statistics course beyond an introductory graduate statistics course and with a minimum coverage of multiple linear/GLM or logistic regression may be considered with approval of the student's Faculty Advisor and the Program Director.

+ For students who have met the core competencies in HPS 585 through prior courses, for example, as would be expected in a prior degree, minor or certificate in public health, an elective may be taken in lieu of this course.

§ Permanent courses addressing this content as assessed by the Program Director are acceptable substitutions.

Required Health Promotion Emphasis Electives (minimum 3 units) ***

• HPS 531 Contemporary Health Issues & Research (3)
• HPS 532A Applied Aspects of Program Planning, Implementation & Evaluation I (4)
• HPS 535  Multicultural Health Beliefs (3) **
• HPS 577 Sociocultural & Behavioral Aspects of Public Health (3)
• HPS 605 Community Based Participatory Action Research to Decrease Health Disparities  (3) **
• HPS 622 Applied Research Methods in Diet and Physical Activity (3)
• HPS 642 Public Health Communications (3)
• EPID 671 Social Epidemiology (3)
• EPID 646 Measurement Issues in Epidemiology (3)

** If not already used to fulfill the prior described requirements

*** Another health promotion related graduate course may be substituted with approval of the student's Faculty Advisor.

Required US Minority/Health Disparities Course (minimum 3 units)

• HPS 535 Multicultural Health Beliefs (3)   or
• HPS 605 Community Based Participatory Action Research to Decrease Health Disparities (3)

Other Electives (minimum 12 units; approved by faculty advisor)

These electives may include independent studies with a research focus, public health graduate courses, or other graduate theory, content or methodology-related courses at the University, relevant to the doctoral area of study).

Minor (minimum 9 units)

Each PhD student must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours of course work in a minor area. The minor area of study specifies the number of required minor units.  This should consist of a coherent set of courses in an area (or in related areas) of health behavior health promotion, in consultation with the PhD students faculty advisor and/or Graduate Committee Chair. These courses may be from more than one program.

Dissertation: HPS 920 (minimum 18 units)

Total minimum credit requirements: 63 units, master of science in public health (msph) / phd in health behavior health promotion.

For students entering without a Master’s degree – 73 Units

The PhD curriculum will require a minimum of 73 credit hours (units), with 40 units required toward completing the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH). The MSPH component requires 25 required major course credits; 3 units are required on US minority/health disparities; 6 units of other electives; and 6 units of thesis. Additional required units post completion of the MSPH include 2 additional major units, 4 additional selective units, 9 units (minimum) for the minor, and 18 units for the dissertation, allowing for a maximum of 30 units to be shared between the MSPH and PhD.  Additionally, a maximum of 8 units from prior graduate coursework (6 units from a prior awarded degree) may be considered (pending review) to be applied towards the MSPH component.

MSPH in Health Behavior Health Promotion Competencies

Required Major Courses (25 units)

• BIOS 576A Biostatistics in Public Health (3)
• HPS 585 Public Health Fundamentals for Researchers (3)
• HPS 620A Advanced Research Methods in Health Promotion I (3) §
• HPS 620B Advanced Research Methods in Public Health II (3) §
• HPS 696L Health Behavior Health Promotion Seminar (1) §
• HPS Selective Course (minimum of 3 units) (may be met with any HPS offered 3+ unit, 500+ level course (e.g. HPS 532A; 535; 577; 605; 619; 622; 642) or another health promotion related course (e.g. EPID 573A; EPID 646; EPID 671; COMM 669) approved by Faculty Advisor
• HPS 535 Multicultural Health Beliefs (3) **   or
• HPS 605 Community Based Participatory Action Research to Decrease Health Disparities (3) **

Other Electives (minimum 6 units; approved by faculty advisor)

Required master’s thesis - hps 910 (minimum 6 units).

Additional core requirements for the PhD post completion of the MSPH (33 units)

Required Courses (6 units)

• HPS 609 Evaluating the Public Health Literature (1)
• HPS 696L HBHP Seminar (1) §
• HPS Selective Course (minimum 4 units)

**If not already used to fulfill the prior described requirements

Approved Minor (minimum 9 units)

Each PhD student must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours of course work in a minor area. The minor area of study specifies the number of required minor units. This should consist of a coherent set of courses in an area (or in related areas) of health behavior health promotion, in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor and/or Graduate Committee Chair. These courses may be from more than one program.

MSPH/PhD in Health Behavior Health Promotion – Total Minimum Credit Requirements: 73 units

Phd minor in health behavior health promotion, minimum 12 units.

The PhD minor in Health Behavior Health Promotion (HBHP) is designed for individuals from other University of Arizona doctoral degree programs who wish to obtain graduate training in Health Behavior Health Promotion and is administered by the Department of Health Promotion Sciences in the Zuckerman College of Public Health.  A total of 12 course units are required, as well as successful completion of written and oral questions during the PhD Comprehensive exam reflective to the home departments processes, and successful defense of the dissertation.  Consult the UA schedule of classes for further details and specific course requirements.

Additional Information

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2024 Best Online PhD in Behavioral Psychology Programs

If you’re interested in human thought, cognitive processing, and how those thoughts can lead to human behavior, then earning an online PhD in Behavioral Psychology may be a good fit for you.

This growing field may provide you with an excellent opportunity to engage with other people on a personal level. You may analyze their thoughts and actions based on various principles related to behavior analysis, cognitive theory, and behavioral theory.

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With higher than average annual salaries and flexible career options, now may be a strategic time to pursue a terminal degree in behavioral psychology.

Universities Offering Online Doctoral Programs in Behavioral Psychology

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Arizona State University

The online Doctor of Behavioral Health program at Arizona State University is an 84 credit clinical program that’s specifically designed to increase the knowledge and skill sets of masters-level clinicians. Students will take advanced courses in entrepreneurship, medical literacy, and behavioral interventions. There are 13 total courses required for graduation.

Arizona State University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

California Institute of Integral Studies

Normally, students enrolled in California Institute of Integral Studies’ PhD in Integral and Transpersonal Psychology program would be able to complete the majority of the degree online, with the exception of required attendance to the biannual Residential Intensive event. Currently, though, that event is also being offered online.

CIIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

California Southern University

California Southern University offers a Doctor of Psychology degree through its School of Behavioral Sciences. The program is designed to help students advance their knowledge of clinical issues in psychology and develop their practical skills to prepare for careers in professional psychology practice. The program can lead to licensure in California.

California Southern University  is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Capella University

Capella University’s PhD in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior program puts heavy emphasis on program development and evaluation, patient advocacy, advanced research, and interdisciplinary leadership theory.

The curriculum includes eight core courses, four electives, eight specialization courses, a dissertation with three related research seminars, and the successful completion of a comprehensive exam.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Endicott College

The PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program at Endicott College is a 60 credit program that’s largely research-based and prepares students to become scientist-practitioners or university-level professors.

The online program is delivered via synchronous learning, and students interested in enrolling are encouraged to already have their ABA licenses.

Endicott College  is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Florida Institute of Technology

Students hoping to become behavior-analytic practitioners, professors, or researchers can enroll in Florida Institute of Technology’s PhD in Behavior Analysis program.

Students should leave the program being able to further contribute to behavioral research, to effectively manage other behavior analysts, and to incorporate current research into their own practices.

Florida Institute of Technology  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Grand Canyon University

Students interested in behavioral psychology at Grand Canyon University can enroll in its PhD in General Psychology program and select the cognition and instruction (qualitative research) concentration.

It’s a 60 credit program that explores topics of human learning and cognition, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, factors affecting individual behavior, and appropriate tests and measures.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Lesley University

Lesley University’s PhD in Expressive Therapies program is a low-residency program that requires only 45 credits for completion. It’s a 4 year program, but the entirety of a student’s fourth year is dedicated to completing and defending their dissertation. Each of the first 3 years requires students to complete 15 credits.

Lesley University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Liberty University

Through its School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University offers students several behavioral psychology-related doctoral programs.

These include doctoral programs in community care and counseling, counselor education and family studies, and general psychology. The school also offers an executive certificate in psychology as well. Each program blends online learning with hands-on training.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University

National University’s PhD in Psychology program allows students to select from ten different concentration areas, including one that can lead to licensure in the state of California.

Other concentration options include Health Psychology, General Psychology, Addictions, Psychology of Gender and Sexual Fluidity, Industrial Organizational Psychology, and Trauma and Disaster Relief.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Regent University

Students enrolled in Regent University’s PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies program can select the human services counseling concentration if they’re interested in pursuing careers in research, psychological science, education, or mental health counseling.

It’s a 51 credit program that allows students to gain field experience and empower their careers.

Regent University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Saybrook University

Saybrook University offers a PhD in Psychology program with an optional concentration in existential, humanistic, and transpersonal psychology.

In addition to those courses, the curriculum also covers Gestalt psychology, transcendence, self-actualization, and phenomenological psychology. The goal is to teach students everything they need to help others achieve psychological balance and transformation.

Saybrook University  is accredited by the Senior Commission of Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Sofia University

The PhD in Transpersonal Psychology program from Sofia University requires 75 total units for completion, and most students finish it in about 3 years. The program helps students improve their analytic and research skills and also provides them with in-depth understanding about all aspects of the human experience.

Sofia University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

SUNY – University at Albany

The PhD in Social and Personality Psychology program at SUNY – University at Albany provides students with advanced coursework in the field of human cognition and behavior, particularly within social environments.

Heavy emphasis is placed on psychological theory and concepts as well as cultivating research skills. Courses explore group identity, collective action, and individual behavior.

SUNY – University at Albany is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis program that teaches students about radical behaviorism, applied behavior analysis, and the analysis of behavior. Students aren’t required to have a masters degree before entering the program, and the program can potentially lead to BCBA certification.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide’s Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology program is a 100% online program that requires 66 credits for completion. It can usually be finished in 3 years. There are no GRE or residency requirements, and students can start quickly thanks to the accelerated admissions process.

Touro University Worldwide is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

University of Nevada – Reno

The behavior analysis PhD program at University of Nevada – Reno provides supervised experience and instruction in multiple aspects of behavioral psychology.

These include courses on basic research into animal behavior, basic and applied research into human behavior, behaviorism philosophies, participatory governance and fiscal management, and the methodology of behavior analysis.

The  University of Nevada – Reno  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

University of South Florida

Students in the University of South Florida’s PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis program can choose to focus their studies on child and family studies.

The program combines online coursework and independent and collaborative research experiences with supervised teaching experiences for a comprehensive education. A dissertation is also required for degree completion.

The  University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of the Cumberlands

University of the Cumberlands’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program allows students to choose from one of three specializations in leadership, addiction, or advanced counseling.

Upon program completion, students should have mastery over counselor education, administrative expertise, leadership skills, and the advanced clinical skills necessary for private practice.

The University of the Cumberlands  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden University

The online Doctor of Psychology in Behavioral Health Leadership program at Walden University is a comprehensive program that allows students to choose between six concentrations: public health, international practice, industrial and organizational psychology, health psychology, healthcare management, and general behavioral health leadership. Students can transfer up to 40 previously earned credits.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Online PhD in Behavioral Psychology Programs

Commonly offered as an ABA PhD, a doctorate in behavioral psychology may allow you to develop advanced knowledge and skills in relation to research practices, ethics, behaviorism, behavioral analysis, human behavior, and behavioral pharmacology.

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a forensic psychologist ? With your doctorate, there are several different professional areas that you may work in since behavioral psychology is an area of study with a number of subdisciplines. Other examples of these subdisciplines include applied behavior analysis (ABA), cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Applied behavior analysis is useful in teaching life skills. This area of behavioral psychology helps people learn to interact with others, including verbal communication skill development. It has been beneficial in understanding and working with individuals with autism in particular.

Cognitive therapy focuses on helping people manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to address harmful patterns and develop more productive thought processes. Behavioral therapy addresses harmful or unhelpful learned behaviors and uses psychological methods to establish new, healthy, and helpful behaviors.

As the name suggests, cognitive-behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, combines both cognitive and behavioral therapy approaches to address thoughts and related actions or behaviors.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is commonly used to treat mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, and bipolar disorders. Careers in the field of behavioral psychology may allow you to work with some or all of these subdisciplines.

Applied behavior analysis, or ABA, is a common course of study for those interested in a terminal degree in behavioral psychology. As a result, PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis programs are frequently offered by various schools.

Behavioral Psychology Careers & Salaries

Earning your Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology may prepare you for a number of different career options, including that of a behavioral psychologist. As a behavioral psychologist, you may be able to perform research related to behavior analysis, cognition, and behavior therapy.

You may also work in a clinical setting to provide treatment to a range of individuals, including children, teens, and adults. You may also work with those experiencing substance abuse, mental health, or behavioral issues.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , obtaining your PhD in Behavioral Psychology or a PhD in ABA may lead to many rewarding career paths.

As a behavioral psychologist, there may also be opportunities for you to work within government, correctional centers, nonprofits, academia, or private businesses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a number of positions available to you with a doctorate in behavioral psychology are expected to experience growth over the coming decade.

These positions include psychologist (3%), sociologist (4%), top executive (4%), and postsecondary school teacher (9%). Notably, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor positions are predicted to increase significantly by 25% over the next decade.

Doctorate in Behavioral Psychology Curriculum

While earning your PhD in Behavioral Psychology, you may be required to take a number of courses that cover key principles of the specialty. Coursework is generally followed by the mandatory completion of a research-based dissertation or thesis.

• Organizational Behavior Management : This course reviews major principles of organizational behavior from a behavioral psychology perspective, including a look at performance management, productivity, and safety.
• Radical Behaviorism : This course is an analysis of radical behaviorism articles developed by B.F. Skinner, including a look at verbal behavior, society, and determinism.
• Behavioral and Functional Assessment : You’ll review common behavioral and functional assessment tools and methodologies used in the field of behavioral psychology.
• Principles of Behavioral Psychology : You’ll examine key principles of behavioral psychology, including a review of applied behavioral analysis and various types of therapies.
• Verbal Behavior : This course consists of an in-depth analysis of verbal behavior concepts from a psychological perspective.
• Complex Human Behavior : You’ll review various human behaviors, including thinking, dreaming, and imagining, through the lens of applied behavioral analysis.
• Behavioral Pharmacology : You’ll examine the interconnected relationship between biology and behavior and the impact substance can have on the relationship.
• Ethical Considerations in Behavioral Psychology : This course consists of an in-depth analysis of ethical principles and considerations in the execution of research and treatment in relation to behavioral psychology.
• Behavior Change Procedures : You’ll take a look at behavior change procedures and behavior generality in the context of psychology and analysis.
• Ethical Standards in Applied Behavior Analysis : This course is a review of the ethical issues that may impact applied behavior analysis research specifically, and you’ll take a look at guidelines from the professional board of conduct.

Since most PhD programs are heavily based on research, other courses may include a review of qualitative and quantitative research methods and best practices.

Admissions Requirements

While admission requirements for a PhD in Behavioral Psychology online program vary from school to school, some requirements may include those listed below.

• Letters of reference from professors or workplace supervisors
• A master’s degree from an accredited institution
• GRE or GMAT scores, if required

In some cases, schools may require that you have a masters degree from a psychology focused program. For example, you may benefit from having earned either a traditional campus-based or an online masters degree in behavioral psychology before applying for admission to a PhD program in this field.

If you are just beginning your educational journey, you may also want to look into one of the online bachelor degrees in psychology offered at some universities.

As for GRE and GMAT scores, a growing number of schools no longer require these scores for admission into a program. So, you may want to check the specific requirements for the schools you’re interested in attending.

Accreditation

Schools and programs that have been regionally accredited offer curriculum that has undergone an extensive review to ensure overall academic quality.

The accreditation status of the PhD program you choose can impact your financial aid eligibility, your employment opportunities, and your ability to register with various professional colleges and associations.

You can find out if the program you’re interested in attending is accredited via the US Department of Education ‘s website. Notably, some states require you to obtain your PhD from an APA accredited or ABAI accredited institution in order to register as a practicing psychologist.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

There are several financial aid options, including federal aid, state aid, and scholarships, that can help ease the cost of pursuing a PhD in Behavioral Psychology.

Federal and state aid is available to students who qualify in the form of grants or loans. While loans require repayment after you’ve completed your studies, grants generally do not. You can apply for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid on the US Department of Education’s website.

Due to the extensive amount of research undertaken within a PhD program, some schools may offer funding packages to students. While these packages can differ from school to school, they may include tuition and cost of living funding supports or reimbursements.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Behavioral Psychology Degree?

The position of a psychologist—whether in a clinical, government, business, or academic setting—is a common career path for those who pursue the terminal degree of behavioral psychology.

There are some other rewarding career options available, though, when you earn your doctorate in behavioral psychology. You may also qualify for positions such as top-level executive, sociologist, social scientist, postsecondary teacher, and substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Behavioral Psychology Online?

While the length of a Ph.D. program varies from school to school, it traditionally takes between 3 to 5 years to complete a doctorate when attending full-time.

Depending on the school you’re interested in attending, you may be able to enroll on a part-time basis. This is not always permitted and will vary by school. In some cases, schools may require you to complete all program components, including coursework and your dissertation, in a timeframe that does not exceed a specific number of years.

What Is the Difference Between a PhD in Behavioral Psychology vs. Behavior Analysis?

Behavior analysis is a subdiscipline of behavioral psychology, and the two terms are often used interchangeably.

As a component of behavioral psychology, applied behavioral analysis looks at how experience, substance, and biology influence behavior. Applied behavioral analysis covers an expanse of topics, ranging from human and animal behavior to verbal behavior and autism spectrum disorders.

In some cases, terminal behavioral psychology degrees will be offered as applied behavior analysis PhD programs.

What Is the Difference Between a PhD in Cognitive vs. Behavioral Psychology Program?

Cognitive psychology PhD programs emphasize intangible thought processes along with the use of language, memory, and attention. It also analyzes problem-solving and critical thinking abilities and behaviors.

Unlike cognitive psychology, behavior psychology focuses on observable behaviors and actions of individuals and how those behaviors relate to the mind and the environment. While cognitive and behavioral psychology have different focuses, it is not uncommon for them to be taught together as cognitive-behavioral psychology.

What Is the Difference Between a PhD in Behavioral Science vs. Psychology?

Behavioral science covers sociology, psychology, and anthropology as well as biology. The study of behavioral science can also expand into areas of law, political science, and geography.

As a career, behavioral scientists explore a broad scope of human actions that span across different fields of knowledge. Psychology is only one part of the behavioral science landscape and focuses specifically on brain function, cognition, decision-making, and mental processing.

What Is the Difference Between a PhD in Behavioral Health vs. Psychology?

A PhD in Behavioral Health focuses on mental health and well-being, with an emphasis on emotional security, coping skills, daily functioning, eating habits, and substance abuse.

The study of behavioral health may also extend to the treatment of mental illness and substance abuse. Behavioral psychology is the study of human behavior and the analysis of how the environment influences thought and behavior. This may include observing and measuring the behaviors of various individuals in different situations and contexts.

Behavioral health and psychology may intersect in the study and treatment of mental health, behavioral disorders, and substance abuse.

Is a PhD in Behavioral Psychology Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Behavioral Psychology is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, life, physical, and social science jobs are set to grow at 5% over the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations.

Common behavioral psychology careers in this field include behavioral psychologists, mental health counselors, postsecondary school teachers, researchers, and top-level executives.

Careers in the field of behavioral psychology may allow you to focus on any of the four subdisciplines: applied behavioral analysis, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Getting Your Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology Online

Pursuing your behavioral psychology doctorate online may provide you with a number of opportunities in your career. You may perform interesting work that allows you to support various populations, from children and teens to adults.

You may also support individuals dealing with mental health disorders, behavioral issues, substance abuse, or criminality.

If you’re interested in helping others, having diverse career options, earning a higher than average annual salary, and having a positive job outlook, then you may consider exploring accredited online doctoral programs for behavioral psychology.

Online Doctorate in Behavioral Health Leadership | PhD, PsyD, DBH

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Psychology is a fascinating and diverse academic discipline that is often valuable to professionals pursuing various career paths. Knowledge derived from psychology can be applied in numerous industries, including business, human resources, child development, rehabilitation , education, and career counseling.

The need for trained counseling professionals is robust. Several factors contribute to this need. Some of these include the rapid pace of technological and societal change that creates feelings of profound dislocation and alienation for some people, the lingering societal disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and significant rates of substance abuse, addiction, heart disease, cancer, and trauma in the American populace.

Among the many pressing needs in the American healthcare system is the need for leadership. Counseling professionals are needed to provide individualized treatment, assess populations’ needs, and subsequently design and implement effective programs to meet those needs. One particular pathway to provide such services is in behavioral health leadership.

The theory that undergirds behavioral health leadership is that mental health programs and services can and should be proactive rather than reactive, designed to meet the needs of diverse populations and based on rigorous, evidence-based, diverse methodologies. People are isolated from the many structures and institutions that influence their development and quality of life. To provide timely and effective mental health care, practitioners must effectively assess both individual needs and the systems within which people live, collaborate across disciplines to design responsive programs, and be consistently open to ongoing assessment and redesign of programs in response to observed outcomes.

The practice of behavioral health leadership can be especially effective for populations whose needs are complex, urgent, and enduring. Client populations that can significantly benefit from skilled behavioral health leaders include military personnel, law enforcement personnel, medical professionals, and members of other high-risk, high-stress professions. Stated differently, behavioral health leadership is a discipline that seeks to normalize the need for mental health treatment and thereby create a welcoming atmosphere for those who would likely benefit from such care. Client populations that may especially benefit include those who work in high-risk or stressful occupations and those whose lives and histories are defined by complex social and economic circumstances.

What Do Behavioral Health Leaders Do?

Behavioral health leaders are skilled professionals who may perform various tasks and functions within their roles. Depending on their skills, specialization, client population, and the employing organization, a behavioral health leader may do any of the following:

• Assess and monitor the mental health of populations such as soldiers, individuals within the correctional system, those struggling with substance abuse and addiction, or a local community
• Create solutions tailored to the needs of a client population and subsequently track the administration of these programs
• Evaluate the delivery of existing psychological programs
• Prepare, carry out, and analyze studies focused on both urgent and non-urgent issues present within client populations
• Apply leadership skills to improve the delivery of mental care services in a variety of settings
• Train entry-level counselors, stakeholders, managers and executives in leadership skills
• Formulate policies that positively impacts mental health services delivery
• Follow ethical foundations of behavioral health leadership and mental health delivery to sustain and improve the delivery of services in an equitable manner
• Improve the delivery of mental health/substance use disorder services by addressing issues such as service gaps, limitations in provider agency resources, and workforce development

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide salary and job outlook data specific to behavioral health leaders. However, the market for this job category can be reasonably extrapolated using related job series. The BLS (May 2022) reports mental health and services managers had an average annual salary of $127,980. Considering that individuals can accept a role with only a bachelor’s degree, a behavioral health leader holding a doctoral degree can reasonably expect to earn a fair bit more. As with any job, the salary someone ultimately can expect will depend on many factors, including the responsibilities of the job, specialized skills and knowledge typically difficult to find in candidates, and characteristics of the local job market in which the job is found.

Typical Admissions Requirements for Doctoral Programs in Behavioral Health Leadership

A typical doctoral program in behavioral health leadership features a rigorous program of study. The admissions requirements commonly found in such a doctoral program include some combination of the following:

• Application materials: While doctoral program application materials do vary among schools, most schools will require a statement of purpose, a GRE examination score, a scholarly writing sample, a resume of curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and an application fee
• International students may need to complete additional requirements, such as demonstrating English language ability sufficient to learn within their program effectively
• Ability to successfully pursue doctoral-level work
• Evidence of existing leadership skills or demonstration of strong potential to develop such skills
• Post-master’s degree-related work experience
• Demonstrated fitness for the profession as evidenced by emotional maturity, a healthy capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to undergo personal psychotherapy
• Substantial oral and written communication skills
• Sensitivity to the needs, challenges, and perspectives of diverse populations, including those who are disabled, those who come from historically marginalized and underserved populations, the poor, and many other client populations

Courses in Behavioral Health Leadership PhD Programs

A behavioral health leadership doctoral program provides a curriculum designed to train professionals to assume various roles post graduation…

Some such doctoral programs feature options for students to develop a specialization such that they can target their skills to assist a particular client population. For example, higher education institutions operating in major cities may feature curricula designed to meet the needs of populations in the local urban area where the school is based. Particular populations for which coursework might be customized include pediatric clients, the urban poor, and immigrant communities. 

Doctoral degree program curriculum requirements often consist of core courses, concentration courses, elective courses, an internship experience, and an applied project (sometimes interchangeably referred to as a capstone project). Below is a sampling of courses often offered within core, concentration, and elective coursework categories. This listing is not exhaustive.

Core Courses

• Theoretical Perspectives in Health and Behavioral Science
• Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health and Disease
• Biostatistics and Data Management
• Behavioral Health Professional Writing Style 
• Population-Based Health Management
• Quality and Performance Measurement, Improvement, and Incentives in Healthcare
• Healthcare Systems: Organization, Delivery and Economics
• Research Design and Methods in Health and Behavioral Science
• Qualitative Research Design and Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods in Public Health
• Advanced Methods of Research
• Community Health Program Evaluation

Concentration and/or Elective Courses

• Health Informatics for Future Healthcare Professionals
• Models of Integrated Primary Care
• Behavioral Health Management
• Financial Management of Healthcare
• Healthcare Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues
• Human Ecology and Environmental Adaptation
• Public Health Communication
• Health Literacy
• Leadership and Development

Supervised Internships and Dissertation – Behavioral Health Leadership PhD Programs

While doctoral students of other psychology and mental health degree programs customarily complete an internship, an internship requirement is uncommon among DBH programs. When required, an internship experience typically must feature supervision by a qualified and licensed counseling professional. This supervision requirement typically exists for accreditation, liability and/or training purposes.

The particular features of an internship placement may vary by program (minimum number of direct contact hours, depth of involvement of advisor in identifying and securing a placement, etc). Still, they will often be sufficient to fulfill the internship requirement portion of the licensure regulations for the state in which the student pursues training.

Rather than an internship placement, DBH programs may feature other forms of training that equate to the value of an internship and earn a student academic credit. One common type of equivalent training experience is independent study. 

In an independent study course, a student will work closely with one or more faculty members to devise a project of interest to the student. Or a student may assist a faculty member with an ongoing project of interest. Such projects can often feature a topic within a faculty member’s area of expertise. If a student enters a program and transfers credits towards core coursework from another educational institution, that student may be able to complete independent study in place of (already completed) core coursework to specialize further and also obtain the credit necessary to be awarded the degree.

Dissertation

The dissertation often has the most intimidating reputation among all the components of an academic program that a student must complete to receive a doctoral degree. Often described as the final research project within a doctoral program, a dissertation is often equivalent to a major research project featured in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

In a dissertation project, a student profoundly researches a question of interest and then later presents findings in written and/or oral format. A successful dissertation defense before student colleagues and faculty members is frequently required for a student to earn a doctoral degree. The purpose of a dissertation is to allow students to apply and demonstrate their mastery of their independent research skills. A dissertation at the doctoral degree program level can be quite large, sometimes extending up to 50,000 words. The dissertation is typically the longest and most demanding feature of the requirements of a doctoral program. The process of researching and writing a dissertation will often take several years to complete.

Accreditation Within Behavioral Health Leadership PhD Programs

Two major accreditation agencies are responsible for much of the accrediting of DBH doctoral programs and their particular contents. The American Psychological Association and the Council on Education for Public Health are these. 

American Psychological Association

The American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation is a specialized accreditor. A specialized accreditor is an agency that only accredits certain types of programs. The APA Commission on Accreditation only accredits specific doctoral graduate programs, doctoral internships, and postdoctoral residencies in health service psychology. The accredited status of a specific program does not imply other programs in the same department or institution are also accredited.

Institutional accreditation covers entire academic institutions. There are six regional accrediting bodies in the United States. Each body is authorized to accredit institutions in specific states, divided by geographic region. An APA-accredited doctoral graduate program must be housed in an institution with this accreditation. 

Council on Education for Public Health

The mission of CEPH is to assure quality in public health education and training by achieving excellence in practice, research, and service, and collaborating with organizational and community partners. CEPH is recognized by the United States Department of Education as the agency responsible for the accreditation of United States schools of public health, and public health programs operating outside of schools of public health, at the baccalaureate and graduate degree levels. This accreditation authority extends to schools offering degree programs via distance education.

In 1974, the independent Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) was established by the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH), the national organization representing deans, faculty, and students of accredited schools of public health. Formal accreditation of schools offering academic degrees in public health occurred in the 1940s, when APHA offered recognition of ten such schools.

Featured Behavioral Health Leadership PhD, PsyD, and DBH Programs

Below appears a sampling of seven educational institutions offering doctoral degree programs in behavioral health leadership and related fields such as behavioral health management, and health and behavioral science.

Arizona State University (DBH)

The Arizona State University College of Health Solutions offers an 84-credit doctoral degree program in behavioral health management (DBH). The DBH degree is a global, interdisciplinary degree featuring an innovative curriculum, an internship within a healthcare setting, and an applied research project requirement for both domestic and international students. The curriculum consists of 18 courses of 7.5 weeks in duration. Students learn about how social determinants impact health on both an individual and communal level and how to utilize resources to manage costs while simultaneously providing quality and accessible healthcare. Prospective students should note that this DBH program does not provide a clinical or other licensure pathway. However, ASU does offer a separate PhD program in behavioral health leadership that does have a clinical focus.

Students specifically learn to customize management practices to meet the needs of local communities and their health systems according to varied important factors such as geography, culture, and policy. The curriculum focuses on integrated health management within primary care and focuses on patient-centered medical home and accountable care organization models. Three topical focus areas are integrated behavioral health program design, quality and performance measurement, and business entrepreneurship. Recognizing technology’s importance and ever-evolving nature, the curriculum features emerging health technologies such as integrated health measures in electronic health records, mobile health applications, and wearable technology.

Preparation for degree conferral concludes with a capstone research project and internship requirements. In the capstone project, students develop a comprehensive business plan aligned with personal and professional interests. Students complete at least 240 hours of service to fulfill their internship requirements.

Graduates of the management concentration are trained to fulfill what is called the Quadruple Aim in healthcare. These four goals are improved patient experience of care, population health management, cost savings, and improved healthcare team experience.

• Location: Phoenix, AZ
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Three to five years
• Estimated Tuition: $20,372 per academic year at full-time status (18 credits) regardless of residency status

Cummings Graduate Institute (DBH)

The Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies offers a fully online doctor of behavioral health (DBH) graduate degree program. Ranked as the most affordable integrated behavioral healthcare doctoral degree program in the US, this program prepares integrated care professionals to offer whole-person healthcare to diverse communities and to improve access to quality healthcare for all people. 

The curriculum is a 60-credit program consisting of 43 credits of required courses and 17 credits derived from a combination of electives, independent/speciality study, and/or additional applied research. Students complete a minimum of 22 courses. The DBH program curriculum provides specific training in patient- and family-centered care, quality measurement and improvement, population health, disease management, cost savings, and ROI analyses, innovative financing approaches, and entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. This program has no residency or internship requirements.

DBH graduates are in high demand in the healthcare marketplace, given their unique skill set. They emerge into the workforce as doctoral-level experts in integrated behavioral healthcare trained to offer patient-centered care, work on interdisciplinary teams, utilize evidence-based practice and quality improvement approaches, and use informatics in primary care and other medical settings. Practicing as a doctor of behavioral health does not require a professional license, and there is currently no licensure for a DBH in any state or nation at this time.

• Location : Tempe, AZ
• Duration : Three years; students have a window of two to five years to complete the program
• Accreditation : Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
• Tuition : $24,150 (inclusive of fees)

Freed-Hardeman University (DBH)

Freed-Hardeman University offers one of Tennessee’s first professional doctoral programs in behavioral health. This 60-credit program provides post-master’s, licensed clinicians the training to become effective providers of advanced-integrated care in various settings. 

The curriculum includes executive leadership and business training that further enhances earning potential. It features courses that offer live chat with instructors and students, clinical rotations, real-time streaming video consultations with experts, and a capstone research project tailored to each student’s professional aspirations and specialized knowledge. Classes are offered online via web conferencing and face-to-face in Henderson, Memphis, or Dickson.

The capstone project allows students to demonstrate the knowledge they have developed in their studies. Students demonstrate their critical thinking, communication, and independent research skills through this project. Students present their projects to the behavioral science faculty and peers for review and defense. Students can present their capstone project only after completing all other degree requirements satisfactorily.

• Location : Henderson, TN
• Duration : Two to four years 
• Accreditation : Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Tuition : $635 per credit 

University of Colorado Denver (PhD)

The University of Colorado Denver offers a PhD program in health and behavioral sciences (HBS) designed to prepare students to become leaders in population health. The program incorporates theories and methodologies from social, behavioral, and health sciences to generate knowledge relevant to creating and delivering healthcare for various client populations. The curriculum features three fundamental dimensions. These are a core curriculum (29 semester hours) focused on problem-oriented, interdisciplinary approaches to theory and method, elective coursework necessary to provide the foundation to pursue dissertation research, and the dissertation project itself.

The program offers autumn admission. Students typically take two years to complete required coursework within a student cohort. The coursework includes social and behavioral theory, research design, statistics, qualitative methods, and the social determinants of population health. After completion of these courses, students go on to prepare a proposal for their dissertation research. They prepare this proposal under the mentorship of a dissertation committee. Later, after successfully defending their prospectus, students typically take another one to two years to finish their dissertations. This process is also mentored.

• Location : Denver, CO
• Duration : Four to six years
• Accreditation : Institutional accreditation provided by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Tuition : $429 per credit for residents; $1,333 per credit for non-residents; $515 per credit for out-of-state, online-only students

University of Maryland (PhD)

The Department of Behavioral and Community Health within the University of Maryland School of Public Health offers an 82-credit PhD degree program in behavioral and community health. The program trains health professionals to assess and understand the health needs of populations and complete research to guide the development and implementation of programs and policies designed to improve public health. The development of strong research skills is necessary to achieve one of the program’s objectives, namely training students to make substantial contributions to the scientific and professional literature within the behavioral and community health disciplines.

The program fosters the development of several competencies, including the following:

• Advanced skills in data collection, aggregation, interpretation, and analysis
• Use of major social, behavioral, and public health theories to inform the design and evaluation of interventions, research questions, and hypotheses
• Construction of data validation tools to measure behavioral factors that include community health
• Writing research proposals for theory-based research
• Development of comprehensive evaluation plans for health-related interventions
• Application of evidence-based approaches in developing and evaluating social and behavioral science interventions.

This program is especially suited for students enthusiastic about developing interventions to influence individual and community-level health behavior positively, those seeking exceptional advising, and individuals who wish to establish public health careers defined by excellence and leadership. Students benefit from a low (3:1) doctoral student-to-faculty advising ratio. Job titles of career paths accessible to graduates include public health analyst, senior research analyst, assistant scientist, and assistant professor.

• Location : College Park, MD
• Duration : See website for details
• Accreditation : Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) 
• Tuition : $811.90 per credit for in-state residents, $1,769.38 per credit for non-residents

Liberty University (PhD)

Liberty University is ranked as one of the leading Christian universities in the United States and is also the largest university in Virginia. It offers a fully online doctor of philosophy (PhD) in psychology – behavioral health leadership. 

This program prepares counseling professionals for administrative and management positions in mental and behavioral health organizations and college-level teaching and research positions. The curriculum is a research-focused program emphasizing leadership skills and professional ethics. The online delivery model allows for participation by working professionals and individuals with significant family and other commitments that limit their schedule flexibility. Students with sufficient time may complete the program in as little as three years.

The curriculum consists of three coursework types: core psychology courses,  training specific to the behavioral health leadership specialization, and a dissertation course series. Core courses focus on subjects such as research, statistics, and analysis. The relationship between Christianity and psychology is another curriculum emphasis. In addition, students develop collegiate-level teaching skills. The behavioral health leadership specialization focuses on theories and research in behavioral health, leadership and development, strategic planning and management, and contemporary topics in behavioral health. Students may further customize their learning by studying subjects such as grant writing, program evaluation, organizational consulting, and behavioral healthcare policy. The dissertation requirement is another component where students can customize their research focus to suit their professional interests.

To keep tuition affordable, Liberty University has maintained a frozen tuition rate for its undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs since 2016.

• Location : Lynchburg, VA
• Duration : Three or more years
• Tuition : $595 per credit for full-time students; $650 per credit for part-time students

Walden University (PsyD)

The Walden University doctor of psychology (PsyD) in behavioral health leadership program provides professionals training in various skills, including leadership, healthcare legal and regulatory policy, business and management skills, project management, and program development. In addition to its general program, Walden offers six optional specializations for this program. They are healthcare management, health psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, international practice, public health, and teaching.

Students typically complete approximately 58 quarter-credits for their core coursework and anywhere from 25 to 130 quarter-credits for completing their dissertation. Students are generally continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project, which is approved.

Fusing together the disciplines of healthcare, health and behavioral psychology, management, and policy, this program prepares graduates for various roles, including behavioral health leader, project manager, behavioral health manager, research manager, administrator, and consultant. Common employment settings include non-profit organizations, social service agencies, healthcare agencies, hospitals, community health centers, and group homes. Some graduates seek work with specialized client populations, including military personnel, people in correctional facilities, and individuals working in high-stress professions. 

Prospective students should note that the PsyD program in behavioral health leadership is not a licensure program and therefore does not prepare an individual to become a practicing licensed psychology professional.

• Location : Columbia, MD
• Duration : Students have up to eight years to complete the program
• Accreditation : Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Tuition : $610 per quarter-credit; total tuition and other costs is approximately $123,000

Professors to Know in Behavioral Health Leadership Programs

Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, Jr., PhD

Cummings Graduate Institute

Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, Jr., is the director of the DBH Program at Cummings Graduate Institute of Behavioral Studies. He is also an adjunct professor/subject matter expert at the Morehouse School of Medicine and the COO of Imani Behavioral Health located in Nashville/Clarksville TN. He provides consultation/training to primary care executives throughout the country. Dr. Baldwin is also a healthcare researcher and the Founding Chairman of the American Association of Doctors of Behavioral Health. 

Dr. Baldwin has over 15 years of experience in healthcare management, government program administration, organizational transformation, and innovation. He received his DBH from the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University. He also graduated from the UCLA Johnson and Johnson executive healthcare program.

Dr. Bradley Boekeloo, PhD

University of Maryland

Dr. Bradley Boekeloo currently serves as a behavioral and community health professor in the University of Maryland School of Public Health. He has been on the UMD faculty since 1998. Since 2009, he has served as the founding Director of the University of Maryland Prevention Research Center (UMD-PRC).

For over 30 years, Dr. Boekeloo has researched the prevention of HIV and related health risks in multiple vulnerable populations. His work later evolved to also focus on LGBTQ+ mental health services improvement.  The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state health departments have all provided multiple grants to support his work. In addition, his major prevention research trials have been cited in recommendations of the U.S. Prevention Services Task Force. 

Dr. Boekeloo’s early research focused on provider-patient communication and behavioral interventions addressing sexually transmitted infection (STI). His provider-adolescent STI prevention program, called ASSESS (Awareness, Skills, Self-Efficacy, and Social Support), was selected by a National Institute on Child Health and Development Advisory Panel for national dissemination through the Program Archive on Sexuality, Health, and Adolescence. Dr. Boekeloo’s has done additional research on the impact of alcohol and sexual risk-taking on adolescent health. He received his degrees from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.

Dr. Debbie Sturm, PhD

James Madison University (JMU)

Dr. Debbie Sturm is a licensed professional counselor and serves as the director of the JMU Counseling & Supervision PhD program. Her research interests include the impact of climate change on communities, counselor advocacy strategies regarding mental health responsiveness and preparedness, the systemic mental health services required along different timelines following disasters, and the particular impact of climate change on youth.

She has been involved in the American Counseling Association (ACA) Task Force on Climate Change & Mental Health, and is currently chair of ACA’s Human Rights Committee. She also serves on the Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Committee on Climate Change Training Competencies & Curriculum and is a press liaison for the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America.

Jobs in Behavioral Health Leadership: What Can I Do with a Doctorate?

Graduates of DBH and closely related doctoral programs typically find many opportunities open to them. Leadership within the healthcare industry is a pressing concern in other industry segments, such as doctoral-level training programs focused on the education of new counseling educators. 

Given the ever-advancing technologies and methodologies used to deliver healthcare, the industry-wide extreme stress that occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic, and still other factors, the need for skilled healthcare professionals who also offer leadership skills cannot be easily overestimated. 

DBH program graduates may work in some roles featuring titles such as public health analyst, senior study director, behavioral epidemiologist, senior research analyst, postdoctoral fellow, assistant scientist, assistant professor, and director of research. Such professionals may fill these roles in various settings, including higher education, mental health facilities, hospitals and clinics, rehabilitation centers, nonprofit organizations, and private practice. 

With the numerous challenges the United States currently faces, such as a high prevalence of substance abuse and addiction, and the lingering and substantial mental health toll of the Covid pandemic, DBH (and related) professionals will likely find many opportunities to apply their skills for years to come.

Bernd Geels

Bernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected] .

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Many Doctor of Behavioral Health (D.B.H) programs can be taken completely online. Most of them are designed to cater to working clinical professionals. This doctorate is a relatively new field made to meet the demands of a global community with an increasing awareness of mental health.

As many have heard on television and social media lately, excellent mental and behavioral health is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Quality healthcare is hard to find; therefore, proper training is a must.

Today, there are many outside influences that affect the way we live, react, and deal with certain situations. Although life can be very grand, nobody escapes the occasional trials and tribulations that often plague us.

But for some, bad behavior is directly related to the health of their body, spirit, and mind. This leaves many in need of qualified healthcare professionals to assist in the healing process. Integrated behavioral health interventions often are the answer to one’s mental health issues.

______________________________

FREED-HARDEMAN UNIVERSITY

DOCTORAL DEGREE IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (D.B.H.)

School Highlights: Freed-Hardeman University’s Doctor of Behavioral Health is a highly flexible, 60-credit program that can be completed in two years or less. The coursework is available either on-campus or online through web-conferencing modalities.

It is an affordable doctoral degree with a tuition rate that is offered at a competitive rate compared to other schools throughout the U.S. The distance learning option includes connecting with professors and other doctoral students, completing clinical rotations, and real-time video consultations.

Research projects take place in students’ professional environments. The goal of the curriculum is to enhance advanced skills in leadership and entrepreneurship.

Coursework Sample:

• Suffering and the Human Condition
• The United States Healthcare System
• Advanced Clinical, Ethical, and Legal Issues in Behavioral Healthcare

Campus Location: Henderson, TN

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs

LEARN MORE ABOUT FREED-HARDEMAN UNIVERSITY’S DOCTORAL DEGREE IN BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (D.B.H.)

Cummings graduate institute.

DOCTOR OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

School Highlights: One of the many benefits of attending the Cummings Graduate Institute is its incredibly low tuition rate.

Students in the Doctor of Behavioral Health degree complete 60 credit hours of coursework which is drastically less expensive than most any doctoral program throughout the United States. It is also a great choice for veterans and active-duty members of the military and has been recognized as such.

This degree is offered 100% online with no internship or residency requirements, and students typically graduate in about three years. However, students are free to transfer credits from another university, which can significantly reduce the amount of time spent in school, and there are part-time and full-time pathways available.

Cummins Graduate Institute graduates are prepared to work in any behavioral health environment, such as Primary Care Medical Homes, managed behavioral healthcare organizations, private practices, and more.

Concentration Options:

• Pathophysiology in Biodyne Context
• Psychopharmacology for the DBH
• Population Health Management, Cost, Offset, & ROI

Campus Location: Phoenix, AZ

• Distance Education Accrediting Commission
• Institute for Healthcare Improvement
• Arizona Health Information Network

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CUMMINGS GRADUATE INSTITUTE PROGRAM: DOCTOR OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Arizona state university.

ONLINE DOCTOR OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (CLINICAL)

School Highlights: Arizona State University has been acknowledged as one of the best online schools in the country time and time again. It provides outstanding distance education curricula, all of which are offered entirely online with no required trips to campus.

The Online Doctor of Behavioral Health includes a Clinical concentration that requires students to take part in learning opportunities in medical literacy, behavioral interventions, and entrepreneurship. Or, students who are more interested in an administrative approach to their doctoral degree can focus on Management.

This is an accelerated online Doctor of Behavioral Health, in which students complete 84 credit hours, or 13 classes, throughout 7.5-week terms. Graduates have gone on to become consultants, educators, healthcare providers, clinical managers, and health coaches.

Campus Location: Tempe, AZ

LEARN MORE ABOUT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DEGREE

What does a doctor of behavioral health professional do.

Doctor of Behavioral Health or DBH for short is a medical practitioner who is primarily concerned with how people’s behavior affects overall well-being. They address mental problems based on evidence in an integrated health model. This profession is one of the results of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a law that aims at providing economical health care to low-income households.

DBHs reduce hospital or clinic costs by assessing mental health issues and suggesting behavioral-change solutions to address problems like:

• depression,
• substance abuse,
• hypertension,

As well as similar others in more or less the same way as psychologists and psychiatrists do, but all while charging a relatively lower professional fee to achieve medical cost savings.

Contrary to the common assumption, DBHs are not psychologists. The DBH curriculum might hold some psychological inputs, but they approach mental health concerns differently. Psychologists diagnose their patients through counseling and therapy sessions.

They have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and are widely focused on research. On the other hand, DBH targets not only the mental health issues per se but also how much mental health issues affect them physically. They often participate in behavioral interventions.

Here are some examples:

To illustrate this slimline of difference, let’s talk about insomnia, a mental health issue. Psychologists will talk to their patients and might find out that using smartphones at bedtime or overthinking a problem might have caused insomnia.

A Doctor of Behavioral Health not only speaks to patients about their condition but also suggests action plans or prescribes medication to cure the mental illness. A DBH will confide to the patient that insomnia can have far-reaching negative effects on the body, causing high blood pressure, heart problems, and even obesity. The DBH then advises lifestyle changes or sleeping pills.

In the mental health services field, psychiatrists also deal with mental issues by investigating neurotic disturbance or any brain damage. However, psychiatrists, with their hectic days, do not have the luxury of time to interact with patients often.

A Doctor of Behavioral Health then attends to this need, providing the same or similar services to that of a psychologist and psychiatrist. The DBH plays a key role in a holistic wellness program and medical literacy. Thus, a DBH bridges the gap between mental healthcare providers and physical healthcare providers.

How does a Doctor of Behavioral Health degree program differ from a Ph.D. program?

Simply put, the Ph.D. program based on behavioral health is filled with research-oriented instruction. The DBH degree is a professional doctorate degree. 

The DBH offers a wide array of subject matter and prepares the graduate for working as a behavioral health consultant or another type of behavioral health expert. They work in a variety of primary healthcare settings.

Can I maintain my current career while earning my Doctorate in Behavioral Health?

Yes, in fact, some behavioral healthcare programs will require that you have previous work experience in the field before enrolling. While you deliver patient-centered care at your current job, you can easily earn your doctorate degree.

What sort of accreditation should I look for in a school?

The National Institute of Behavioral Health Quality (NIBHQ) oversees the accreditation programs of DBH graduate schools and programs across the United States. There are also other regional accreditation bodies that supplement the credibility of Doctor of Behavioral Health programs. Accredited DBH programs help to prepare behavioral health providers with the proper skills needed to succeed.

How do I earn my D.B.H. degree?

If you want to enroll in a Doctor of Behavioral Health program, you need to have a master’s degree in specific fields, including the clinical field, social work, or managerial line. In addition, a minimum grade point average will be considered pursuant to the school’s requirements.

DBH students are expected to have diverse backgrounds and will be educated on health care reform. Your master’s degree program will lay an excellent foundation for the skills needed to engage in your doctorate program. There are two basic concentrations in a DBH program:

• Clinical concentration
• Managerial concentration

Clinical concentration DBH programs are offered to master-level clinicians who are license holders. These include nurses, therapists, psychometricians, counselors, dietitians, physician assistants, and others. Doctor of Behavioral Health students with Managerial concentration come from the same background as those in the Clinical concentration track, but the former takes on extra credits in the field of business and entrepreneurship.

Both program concentrations have similar coursework units, but the elective subjects depend on your desired area of specialization. Many institutions observe a blurred dichotomy between clinical and managerial levels, as long as the program will train aspiring DBHs to practice integrated healthcare and population health management.

Upon completion of your master’s degree, the DBH program lasts two to three years, depending on whether or not you want to attend on a full-time or part-time basis. Most students study part-time while balancing their responsibilities at work, school, or family. Aside from completing anywhere between 240 and 250 internship hours, a DBH student may be required to complete a capstone project as a culminating requirement.

What type of degree do I need to pursue research or educate others in DBH?

The faculty line of DBH programs is composed of DBH degree-holder professionals. Other practitioners from psychology and medicine most likely join the teaching workforce in DBH graduate schools for discipline integration.

Some DBHs engage in research work to evaluate and continuously update DBH services. Along with social scientists and medical practitioners, Doctors of Behavioral Health researchers write and publish books and journals such as the Journal of Behavioral Health (JBH). They also conduct behavioral health studies.

How do I earn a transitional or bridge D.B.H. degree?

Most health behavior programs adopt an online format to cater to working clinical professionals. If you visit their website and check out their curriculum, it is highly likely that you will encounter a DBH program you can attend without going to an actual campus.

What kind of career and salary can I expect with my D.B.H. degree?

DBH works as a team player with psychologists, therapists, counselors, and medical doctors. Behavioral health providers can work on the following career opportunities: Behavioral Health Providers, Behavioral Health Consultants, Healthcare Consultants, Health Educators, and Clinical Managers.

However, the wage rate for DBHs, who primarily assume managerial roles, depends on their employer. Clinical managers have a median salary of $78,190 annually . The Behavior Health Consultant earns $69,036 per year on average .

Jobs in mental health care can be found in primary health care settings, as well as specialty medical settings.

Do I need a license to be a DBH?

Currently, there are no specific licensure examinations for Doctor of Behavioral Health graduates. However, one needs certification provided by each state for behavioral health issues that require services to communities as professional practice. Many DBH professionals have multiple licenses from their previous fields (e.g., RN, LCSW, LMFT, etc.), as is often reflected on their business cards.

DBH is a relatively new profession brought about by healthcare reform, and the workforce is gradually growing. You may expect changes in license requirements in the future as more people get more access to mental health care.

Can I teach with a DBH degree?

Yes, people with a DBH degree can teach at the higher education level in fields related to mental health and counseling, such as psychology and social work. Depending on the school, they may also be able to teach in other related fields, such as health care and sociology.

What schools offer Doctor of Behavioral Health degrees?

Mental health care is important; therefore, a reputable school program is a must! A quality program delivers doctoral training focused on mental health disorders. Most Doctor of Behavioral Health program institutions have options for either full-time on-campus education or a completely digital distance-learning program. Notable examples of these schools are

• The Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies in Phoenix, AZ
• Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ
• Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, TN

Do your friends open up to you when they have problems? If you are that kind of person, the DBH degree might be a fulfilling career path for you!

Additional Resources:

• The Best Doctor of Counseling Education and Supervision
• The Best Online Doctor of Health Science (D.H.S./D.H.Sci)

The Doctor of Behavioral Health graduate degree program (DBH) prepares integrated care professionals to best deliver whole-person healthcare to diverse communities and to improve access to quality healthcare for all people.

Students are trained as doctoral level experts in integrated behavioral healthcare and are prepared to deliver patient-centered care, work in interdisciplinary teams, employ evidence-based practice and quality improvement approaches, and utilize informatics in primary care and other medical settings.

Learn more about Doctorate of Behavioral Health career pathways or explore the curriculum below.

At $400 per credit hour, the DBH program at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies is the most affordable integrated behavioral healthcare doctoral degree program in the US. Scholarship opportunities are available.

Learn more about DBH program tuition.

The Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH) and Trauma Informed Care (TIC) certificate programs are offered as stackable credentials exclusively to students enrolled in the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program at CGI.

• Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Certificate, Adult  Specialty
• Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Certificate, Gerontology Specialty
• Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Certificate, Leadership  Specialty
• Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Certificate, Military Families and Veterans  Specialty
• Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Certificate, Women's Health  Specialty
• Trauma Informed Care Certificate

  Register for an Online Event   Schedule a Call    Explore FAQ's   Ask a Question    Learn About DBH Alumni   Watch Faculty & Alumni Interviews   Start an Admissions Application

Tuition + fees | view tuition info, entry points: fall & spring i | view admissions deadlines, start an admissions application, dbh program mission.

The Mission of the Doctorate of Behavioral Health Graduate Program is to educate integrated care professionals to best deliver whole-person healthcare to diverse communities and to improve access to quality healthcare for all people.

The Doctorate of Behavioral Health (DBH) Program delivers doctoral training in integrated behavioral healthcare to master’s degree-level clinicians. This behavioral health graduate program is designed to address the unmet educational need to prepare behavioral health providers to practice in primary care and other medical settings as part of an interdisciplinary team.

The Doctorate of Behavioral Health (DBH) Program will prepare students to deliver patient-centered care, work in interdisciplinary teams, employ evidence-based practice and quality improvement approaches, and utilize informatics. Our overarching objective is to respond to the need to prepare clinicians to address both shifts in the nation’s patient population and changing practice environments.

The Doctorate of Behavioral Health (DBH) Program Outcomes

• Consult effectively with the medical team as a behavioral health expert using knowledge of medical culture and acute, chronic, and comorbid conditions.
• Deliver evidence-based screening, assessment, and behavioral interventions appropriate for primary care and specialty medical settings.
• Design cost-effective population health approaches to treating chronic and comorbid conditions while addressing social determinants of health.
• Design and evaluate evidence based practice for behavioral conditions in medical settings based on principles of quality improvement.
• Create a business case based on a population health approach to improving access to quality, integrated healthcare.

Marketplace Demand

The US healthcare system is the most costly in the world, and providers are under great pressure to systematically approach changing care delivery. The Doctorate of Behavioral Health graduate program provides specific training in patient- and family-centered care, quality measurement and improvement including redesign of primary care services and structures, population health and disease management designs, cost savings and return on investment analyses, and innovative financing approaches. With this incredibly unique skill set, DBH Graduates are in high demand in the healthcare marketplace.

Cummings Graduate Institute cannot assure employment or job placement to graduates upon program/course completion or graduation from the institution.

Graduate employment opportunities

The Cummings Institute cannot assure employment or job placement upon graduation, however our graduates will be prepared to work as behavioral health consultants, providers, and/or managers in primary healthcare settings, including hospitals and emergency departments, Primary Care Medical Homes, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Accountable Care Organizations, managed behavioral healthcare organizations, specialty mental health and substance abuse treatment settings, preventative care and disease management programs, and/or new business start-ups.

Professional Licensure and Admissions

Students are advised to contact state licensing boards to determine whether the Academic Degree Program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state where the student resides. Students understand that they are responsible for researching their state laws and workplace/site policies. Professional licensure is not a CGI admissions requirement. The legislation is evolving quickly. Billing for reimbursement as a clinician typically requires a professional license as a behavioral health professional license and those eligible for licensure should clarify their scope of practice with the appropriate state health professional licensure office in their state. Making an informed decision means knowing the landscape of healthcare in a student’s local area.

For Doctor of Behavioral Health Students ONLY:

Practicing as a Doctor of Behavioral Health does not require a professional license, and there is no licensure for a DBH in any state or nation at this time. That said, be aware of the following professional considerations before beginning the DBH Program to make sure it is the right fit for your career goals.

The use of the “Doctor” title may be prohibited in certain areas. Every country, state, and the employer is different when it comes to the use of the “Doctor” title. Students should research local legislation and employer practices related to the use of the “Doctor” title.

Curriculum Curriculum & Training Course Subjects Credit Hours Number of clock and/or credit hours for the DBH Program Maximum Timeframe Minimum Timeframe

Curriculum & Training

The Doctorate of Behavioral Health (DBH) curriculum delivers training that will prepare providers to implement patient-centered care, achieve medical cost savings, and reduce the healthcare provider burnout that is often a result from practices that have adopted the Triple Aim as an operational framework. DBH students additionally learn to address the Fourth Aim keeping healthcare provider and staff morale and quality of life in mind as we seek to improve patient experience of care, population health outcomes, and reduce the cost of care.

Student will be trained as doctoral-level experts in integrated behavioral healthcare. Graduates will be prepared to work as behavioral health consultants, providers, and managers in primary healthcare settings, including hospitals, Primary Care Medical Homes, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and specialty medical settings. All students will complete a Culminating Project that demonstrates synthesis of the three pillars and prepares students to propose improvements, secure investors, and achieve the DBH Vision of improving the way the world experiences healthcare.

The DBH program curriculum provides specific training in:

• patient- and family-centered care
• quality measurement and improvement
• population health
• disease management
• cost savings and ROI analyses
• innovative financing approaches
• entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship

The Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program reflects the training 21st century behavioral health providers need to be successful. Our course offerings fall under the Doctorate of Behavioral Health (DBH) program’s three pillars: Medical Literacy, Integrated Behavioral Health Interventions, and Entrepreneurship.

• Medical literacy: Behavioral health providers must understand common medical conditions seen in primary care in order to consult effectively with the medical team
• Behavioral health providers must employ Evidence-based integrated behavioral health interventions for primary care that are efficient and effective in contributing to cost savings by reducing unnecessary medical care services and costs
• Twenty-first century behavioral health providers must have solid Entrepreneurship skills & expertise, such as innovative financing arrangements, writing a business plan, marketing, and return on investment analyses specific to healthcare

Course Subjects

Additional course offerings are designed to prepare students to deliver patient-centered care, work in interdisciplinary teams, employ evidence-based practice and quality improvement approaches, and utilize informatics. The courses include the following: Foundations for Doctoral Study An orientation to the Doctorate of Behavioral Health (DBH) program, online learning, and success skills for doctoral level learners. (3 credit hours) Culminating Project All students complete nine (9) credit hours in Culminating Project, an applied integrated care project demonstrating innovation in the field and ability to respond creatively and competently to the needs of rapidly-evolving patient population and healthcare environments. Independent Study and Elective Courses Students work closely with one or more faculty members to research evidence-based interventions in specialty areas that are not covered in more detail in the required core courses. (14 credit hours required)

Certificate Programs

• Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Certificate, Women’s Health  Specialty

Credit Hours

Student will earn one (3) units for the Foundations course, three (3) units of credit for each required core courses, and one (1) to three (3) credits for electives and/or independent study.

Transfer Credits

Click here to learn about transfer credits and the DBH program, including requirements, process, and how to apply.

Number of clock and/or credit hours for the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program

A total of sixty (60) credit hours will be required for graduation. Required courses will make up forty-three (45) credit hours. Students will be required to take an additional seventeen (14) credit hours in electives, independent/speciality study, or additional applied research to complete the sixty (60) credit hour program.

Maximum Timeframe

The Maximum Time frame to complete the program is measured in calendar years for the Doctor of Behavioral Health program. Students must complete the program within five (5) years and are only permitted to attempt 90 credits before program termination. However, if exceptions are granted by the Director of the DBH Program, students may complete their degree within seven (7) years of enrollment.

Minimum Timeframe

The Minimum Timeframe to complete the program is measured in calendar years for the Doctor of Behavioral Health program. Students enrolling with no transfer credits must participate in the program for a minimum of two (2) years.

Degree Program Course List and Descriptions

Time To Complete Degree Time to Complete Degree

CGI takes pride in offering a flexible behavioral health graduate program, offering full-time and part-time enrollment options to complement each individual student’s lifestyle and availability.

Click here to learn how long it takes to complete the DBH program, including sample timeframes .

View the DBH Program Brochure

View the DBH Culture Deck

Start your DBH program application.

Testimonials.

My interest in a DBH degree grew out of frustration and hope. On one hand, I grew frustrated with the quality of care my clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities were receiving. As members of a marginalized population who lack the skills to advocate for themselves, the clients I serve receive subpar medical care, mental health care, and behavioral health care. Many healthcare providers are not trained to address the unique language and cognitive challenges present when serving a person with Autism and I/DD.

On the other hand, as I learned more about the DBH program, a potential solution came into view. I believe this program will allow me to acquire the knowledge and skills to become a better advocate for my clients, and new job opportunities will open up in positions in which I will be able to make a bigger impact on a system level, thus improving quality of life for many clients. A DBH degree will command interest and respect from other healthcare professionals who are evaluating their practices and noticing areas in which they are not being effective, namely the behavioral health side of the equation. As we are learning in our first classes about the Biodyne Model, the Integrated Care Model is not widely accepted or known in the healthcare field, despite its proven track record. I believe a DBH degree provides the necessary tool to change the landscape of healthcare provision by arming my passion for this topic with knowledge and concrete strategies.

As a Doctorate of Behavioral Health (DBH) student my vision for healthcare is to disrupt the current model, close gaps to care and create healthcare improvements. In the evolving world of healthcare I believe behavioral healthcare providers (BCP) are essential to the development of integrative healthcare. Once I obtain a DBH degree, I know I will gain a leadership role and be able to add quality to the creation of integration efforts worldwide. I know I will graduate with the essential tools I need to stand at the forefront of integrated healthcare. I want to create healthcare improvements for marginalized populations that are typically underserved or forgotten. As an individual of two minority groups; woman and African American, I am very passionate about helping reduce cultural, ethnic, social economic and geographic disparities within healthcare systems.  

Since beginning my studies at CGI, I have been awakened to how much I truly did not know and understand despite my specialty training in Social Work and behavioral health needs. The classes at CGI allow me to explore topics that I may not have thought to investigate and encourage me to question and think outside the “normal” delivery of behavioral health services. Services that I previously thought were quality and designed to meet the needs of special populations, I now believe to be woefully inadequate to serve the needs of the patients. Patients cannot receive the best quality, efficient, and timely care they need and deserve within institutions that are not integrated. Institutions that continue to silo and do not encourage collaboration and integration are not focused on the needs of the patient.

I believe, as a DBH, I will disrupt the current healthcare system by promoting guaranteed health care for all as a right, not a privilege. I will advocate for a national , rather than state, licensing of providers. This will allow clinicians (medical , behavioral health , etc… ) to provide care across state lines using telem edicine. Finally, t he skills I have learned at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies allow me to identify healthcare delivery concerns , propose alternative interventions and cost – effective solutions and evaluate the ir return on investme nt.

Since entering CGI, I have more confidence in discussing the need for healthcare systems to have a population health approach to care, and to put in place “upstream” programming. I have always been proud of working in a hospital and delivering care, working as a multidisciplinary team member, and making a difference. I now realize I have been part of healthcare’s focus of “treating the sick” rather than being an influencer for preventative care.

Preventative care can be part of service delivery from a hospital system; we should not rely only on public health programs to tackle social determinants of health. COVID-19 is not only impacting mental health but also how we are delivering medical care. Could COVID-19 be an unintended force for healthcare policy change? Apostolopoulos et al. (2020) reports the complexity presented to the health care system by COVID-19 has created change that will continue in healthcare for years to come. The needed changes to delivery and access will require a policy shift in all levels of healthcare (Apostolopoulos et al., 2020).

As a member of the AAPI community, I’m very familiar with the barriers to mental health  services and the need to break through the glass wall of cultural stigma that prevents many from  receiving potentially life – saving treatment. I was the only Asian Ameri can person in my master’s  cohort, the only Asian American person in many of my clinical work settings, the only Asian  American person to walk into many of the professional settings that I pushed myself to show up  to. In my current practice, I’m constantly   reminded by my patients of how difficult it is to find an  Asian American mental health provider, though this reminder constantly informs me that more  needs to be done for my community.  Day after day, I read stories of Asian American people who  die by suici de   as a consequence of   our culture’s avoidance of mental health topics.  As a DBH,  my biggest goal is to use my expertise in whole – person care to   amplify the conversation around  mental health and help my community understand that mental healthcare is not a   privilege that  we are not entitled to, it is a crucial part of our healthcare that will manifest differently in us than  what many Western psychology or psychiatry textbooks will describe, and that our unique  experience of mental health issues are valid, im portant, and is time to be part of the larger  conversation.

Pursuing a doctorate in behavioral health is essential in helping to transform my thinking as a healthcare provider; moving from a more traditional mindset, embracing change and a “different world view” of tools for successful client outcomes. This type of advanced study will equip me with the clinical and leadership skills to be a leader on the cutting edge of behavioral health. This type of training would make me an asset to the healthcare workplace; specifically to function effectively as a change agent for the successful outcomes of the workplace and its clients.

I remember before my interview when applying to the DBH program, I researched information about Dr. U. Grant Baldwin along with other staff members of CGI. I said to myself, this is the kind of institution I want to be apart of. Being apart of CGI feels like a huge family, even though long distance, everything and everyone is always so close.

The DBH is exactly the type of doctorate degree that I’ve been searching for. A doctorate that is clinical focused is where my interest lies. I am motivated to pursue this degree, and courses like Pathophysiology, Psychopharmacology, Neuropathophysiology, only add to that excitement. One must be motivated to complete any degree program. The Doctor of Behavioral Health fits that bill for me. In fact, I would say that I am beyond motivated.

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Key searches, division of health behavior research.

The Division of Health Behavior Research is focused on evaluating, preventing, and promoting a range of health behaviors (e.g., tobacco/substance use, nutrition, physical activity, mindfulness) that are associated with chronic and infectious diseases, with special emphasis on youth/young adults and health disparities populations.

Division Chief

In the Division of Health Behavior Research, our research has real-world impact on changing policies, programs, and behaviors that prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, addiction, and mental health challenges in our communities. By understanding what influences our health behaviors, we can design better interventions to change them.

Research Goals and Specialization

Research in the division spans several cross-cutting areas of focus. Our work seeks to understand the epidemiology, determinants, and consequences of health risk behaviors; develop and test health behavior intervention; and disseminate programs and influence policies related to health behavior change and prevention.

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Research typically occurs both through individuals – or, in some cases, individual “labs” – and through the inter-disciplinary units represented by the Institutes and Centers based in our Department.

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Ph.D. Student Resources

Many questions can be answered by looking in the Ph.D. Student Handbook or online.

For procedural questions that a graduate student cannot easily address on their own, a good first contact is the graduate program administrative assistant .

The student’s CSD faculty advisor is the next contact to ask for help and support. 

In cases where the primary advisor is unable to or not sufficient to address a question, graduate students are encouraged to reach out to the graduate professor-in-charge and/or department head as the next step. 

When additional resources are needed after working with the grad PIC and/or department head, there are college, university level, and other resources as needed.

Ph.D. Student Handbook

The Ph.D. student handbook is a guide to the Ph.D. program for currently enrolled doctoral students in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

The guide is housed in Canvas and includes information on:

• Admission and retention
• Financial appointments and graduate assistantships
• Professional presentations
• Student teaching
• Degree requirements
• Dissertation and exam timelines
• Policies and procedures

Graduate students seeking to register for independent study or research credits in CSD should submit the appropriate request below. Your request will be reviewed and, if approved, the credits will be added by the department.

CSD 596 is an independent study course, which is a non-thesis research course. Students work closely with a faculty member on creative projects that fall outside the scope of a formal course. The number of credits is determined between the student and faculty member the student is working for, which is dependent on the amount of work that is expected of the student.

• Request registration in CSD 596

CSD 600 is a Thesis Research course, students registering for this course will work closely with a faculty member to develop their research. This course can be scheduled for 1-15 credits.

• Request registration in CSD 600

CSD 601 is available for full-time Ph.D. degree candidates who have passed the comprehensive examination; students taking this course have finished all required coursework, but are working on their dissertation. This course is 0 credits.

• Request registration in CSD 601

CSD 602 is designed to introduce graduate teaching assistants to the fundamentals of course design, development, delivery, assessment, and evaluation. This course can be scheduled for 1-3 credits.

• Request registration in CSD 602

Support Resources

Hhd office of research and graduate education.

The HHD Office of Research and Graduate Education can be contacted for unusual situations that can not be addressed at the departmental level and/or where College-level resources are needed.

HHD Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The HHD Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is working to develop new resources at the College level to promote student community, resources, and well-being. If there are questions that cannot be addressed by the departmental DEI committee, including questions related to graduate student recruitment, this office may be a good resource.

Penn State Office of Graduate Student Life and Well-Being

The Penn State Office of Graduate Student Life and Well-Being enhances the Graduate School’s efforts to support Penn State graduate students’ health and well-being needs. This may be a particularly good resource when there are substantial and ongoing issues that can not be addressed at the departmental or College level.

This resource includes links to various campus and community services accessible to graduate students, including:

• Personal Well-Being, including physical and mental health
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Mental Health Crisis Intervention

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate support:

• Call Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) , 814-863-0395 (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
• Call the 24/7 Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400
• Text the 24/7 Crisis Text Line: Text “LIONS” to 741741

The Penn State Crisis Line can also be used for consultation if you know someone or are with someone who is experiencing a crisis.

Student Disability Resources (SDR)

If graduate students want to seek accommodation, including accommodation in classes or with graduate milestones, it is imperative that they go through the Student Disability Resources (SDR) office. Documentation from a health provider and/or other supporting evidence will be needed to receive accommodation.

It is recommended that a graduate student contact SDR as soon as possible if they anticipate needing any accommodation (even if they are not sure yet if they will request accommodation), as it can take some time to arrange. If an accommodation letter from SDR is provided, it will not go into detail about the issue (to preserve relevant confidentiality), but will suggest what accommodations might be warranted. If a graduate student decides to seek accommodation, this letter should then be shared in a timely fashion with the individuals(s) who will be involved in making accommodations (e.g., instructor, Grad PIC/advisor).

Faculty members who are given a letter from SDR will note that it includes an SDR specialist contact. If they have any questions about how to address the accommodation request, they are encouraged to reach out to SDR directly.

Graduate Writing Center

The Graduate Writing Center offers one-to-one consultations that are most useful to writers seeking ongoing support or consultations on shorter documents. Consultants commonly assist writers with theses, dissertations, seminar papers, proposals, personal statements, fellowship applications, CVs, letters of application, among many other genres.

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Ph.D. Program Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders The Pennsylvania State University 308 Ford Building University Park, PA 16802

[email protected] 814-865-0971

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Program at a Glance

The online Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling is designed to put your goals within reach. Three start dates each year and a manageable course load of just two classes during each accelerated session enables you to earn your degree in as few as two years — all while maintaining an ideal work/school/life balance. This 60-credit program prepares you to work with individuals across the lifespan and treatment spectrum.

Program Coordinator : Sandy Gibson, [email protected]

• full time: 2 years
• part time: up to 6 years

Availability

• (mix of asynchronous and synchronous courses)

Specializations

• generalist practice addiction counseling
• per credit*

*This represents a discount of 17% off of TCNJ’s standard tuition rate. Paraprofessionals working in HPSA communities and HBCU graduates are eligible for a further discounted rate of $514.50 per credit.

Who should pursue this program?

A counseling degree will offer you a wide variety of career pathways; many counselors work in community agencies, hospitals, or private practices and provide care directly or serve as administrators. Upon graduation, you will meet the requirements to take the National Counselor Exam to be a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and be eligible to apply to be a Licensed Association Counselor (LAC) or its equivalent. Prospective students who live near the TCNJ campus are encouraged to apply to the in-person program .

Engaged Faculty

What sets our faculty apart? It’s their academic prowess and active engagement as practicing counselors. Our faculty members are immersed in the current landscape of mental health counseling, bringing firsthand experience and a practical perspective to the classroom.

The clinical mental health field is experiencing an unprecedented surge in job opportunities, reflecting the increasing recognition of mental health as an integral component of overall well-being. Employment in the field is expected to grow by 18% between 2022 and 2032, according to the latest national data . Our programs will prepare you for success, enabling you to confidently enter the workforce and command a salary that reflects your expertise and dedication.

This program consists of three 16-week terms a year, each of which is divided into two carefully curated eight-week sessions. The practicum/field experience will span a full term, and the internship will span two terms.

Courses are offered online in a blend of asynchronous and synchronous work, meaning you will do most of your work on your own time, whenever it best fits your schedule. Most classes will have a weekly live presentation that will also be recorded for those who cannot attend. (Note that while most courses do not require synchronous attendance, it is required for group counseling as well as for your practicum and internship.)

Full-time students can take two classes per term and finish in two years. Part-time students can decide how many classes to take each term but must finish within six years.

This online program leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance the learning experience and to provide essential skills for your future counseling practice. Through interactive virtual classrooms, multimedia resources, and real-time collaboration tools, you’ll be a part of a dynamic and engaging online environment that mirrors the richness of in-person instruction. Participate in simulated counseling sessions; access diverse case studies; and engage in immersive, experiential learning.

Our instructional designers have developed a no-cost introductory module to prepare you to successfully engage in the online learning environment. In addition, we’ve standardized the online classroom experience to ensure a seamless transition from course to course, even for those who might be new to online education.

Our dynamic curriculum is designed by national experts and aligned with the newly released 2024 CACREP standards. There are two tracks available: generalist practice and addiction counseling. In both you will supplement your classes with community-based engagement, independent studies, or faculty research.

Generalist practice track: Customize your course of study by pursuing the generalist practice track and choosing electives that offer a broader clinical experience.

Addiction counseling track: This track embraces multiple pathways to recovery, preparing you to work across the addiction treatment spectrum and providing a strong foundation in harm reduction.

Our application process is simple and efficient; GRE scores aren’t required, and rolling admission ensures you can start as soon as you want — even the very next term. You need to provide the following:

• Essay (personal statement)*
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty or employers only
• Copy of resume
• Official undergraduate transcript

You can also use code “GROWTCNJ” to waive the $75 application fee.

*Share with us how your lived expertise integrates into your desire to be a mental health counselor, including your aspirations for creating meaningful change in individual lives and communities.

As this is a new program, CACREP accreditation cannot be secured until the first cohort of students is ready to graduate. The CACREP application will be submitted at that time, and everyone who graduates within 18 months of the date that accreditation is secured will be deemed to have graduated from a CACREP-accredited program.

See the list of prerequisites for any person pursuing licensure in counseling. This list is subject to change.

TCNJ’s online clinical mental health counseling degree fulfills the prerequisite courses in licensing requirements in 40 states: AL, AK, AZ, CO, CT, DE, GA, HI, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WV, WI, and WY.*

TCNJ’s online clinical mental health counseling degree does not fully meet the prerequisite courses in licensing requirements in 10 states: AR, CA, FL, IN, MD, MS, NY, PA, VA, and WA.*

*current as of 3/15/24

Similar courses in other states:

• AR and CA: Psychopharmacology
• CA, TN, and VA: Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapeutic Theories and Techniques
• MS and VA: Counseling and Psychotherapy Skills
• IN, NY, and PA: Clinical Instruction; 13 states did not have similar required courses
• FL: Human Sexuality; Counseling in Community Settings
• IN: Knowledge and Skill for the Practice of Mental Health Counseling and Psychotherapy
• MD: Psychotherapy
• WA: Counseling Individuals; Developmental Psychology; Physiological Psychology; Organizational Psychology; Developmentally Disabled People; Abusive Relationships; Chronically Mentally Ill

RISE Urban Residency Program The College of New Jersey P.O. Box 7718 2000 Pennington Rd. Ewing, NJ 08628

Salika Lawrence and Shamaine Bertrand, Program Coordinators [email protected]

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Students can choose from the following certificates or emphases: TCNJ-Based Certificates

• Bilingual Endorsement Certificate
• Educational Leadership Certificate
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• Inclusive Literacy
• Integrative STEM Educational Methods Certificate*
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Teacher of Students with Disabilities
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RTC-Based Certificates

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• The Differentiated Classroom Certificate*

The following certificates lead to eligibility for state endorsements:

*Certificate can be completed online

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Personalized Health and Well-Being graduate pivots to altruistic career path

• May 15, 2024
• By: Eric Griffey

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Now, the Abingdon, Maryland resident has entered into private practice as an RD and lifestyle medicine health coach. In addition to working with large companies, she offers her services to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

“I am passionate about helping people take a holistic look at all of their health behaviors and being more of a guide for them,” she said. “I believe wholeheartedly that people have all the answers within themselves. They don’t need me to be this expert telling them what to do. Through their own past experience and knowing themselves and utilizing their strengths, I can help them create a plan for sustainable change.”

Smith said she was drawn to the School of Health Professions’ program because it combines lifestyle medicine with health and wellness coaching. For the past several years, she said, she became more interested in behavior change — a major focus of PHWB’s program.

“I like to use the word thrive,” she said. “I don’t want people just surviving through the day to day but living a life that is meaningful and giving them tools to manage stress.”

As a 45-year-old wife and mother of three, who also works full-time, getting back into the swing of school was a challenge for Smith. The online platform and her classmates made the coursework doable, she said.

“It’s the perfect program to do it because you’re learning how to change behaviors and set up systems for success,” she said. “I liked that it was online. That worked for me. Obviously, I’m in Maryland, but can’t move to Texas. Even though it was online, our cohort was really tight. So that was a pleasant bonus to me that we were able to form some really great relationships, even though we’ve never met in person.”

Her classmates thought extremely highly of Smith, In an anonymous survey, one student said she has “a wonderful, curious and easy way about her coaching.”

She also made an impression on PHWB’s faculty.

“Throughout the program, Karen has demonstrated a very positive, professional and pro-active attitude, as well as a strong drive to excel, and a genuine interest in encouraging her classmates/peers to succeed in their endeavors,” said Assistant Professor Cynthia Powell, MA, CHWC, IWLC.

For Smith, teaching clients about how to live a healthy lifestyle is more than an occupation. She lives in every day. She is an avid runner who competes in multiple races and placed in the top 1% of women finishers at the 2015 and 2016 Boston Marathons.

“I have really loved the program,” she said of HSC’s PHWB offering. “I feel like it’s really enhanced my skills, given me a lot more tools and helped me think about my future opportunities and how I want to help people.”

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$1.8 Million Will Support Graduate-Level Behavioral Health Students at Portland State University

by C. Steinmetz & E. Yussen May 20th 2024 Share

The need for qualified behavioral healthcare workers in Oregon’s communities is stronger than ever. The current workforce struggles to meet demand amidst a crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this demand, Oregon House Bill 4071 (2022) and House Bill 2949 (2021) directed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to increase the recruitment and retention of behavioral health providers. With this direction, OHA has awarded Portland State University (PSU) $1,870,222 to support students enrolled in two programs that train professionals in behavioral health: the Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Master in Counselor Education.

These funds, which will be divided proportionally between each program, will cover tuition costs for an estimated 100 students. Each student may receive up to $15,000 in tuition assistance and up to $3,000 in stipends per academic year. Recipients must be in good academic standing and commit to working in Oregon upon their graduation.

“This training grant serves as an important means to provide financial support to Counselor Education and MSW students in their final internship year, alleviating the financial burden that often accompanies their final year of education,” said Rana Yaghmaian, department chair and associate professor of Counselor Education.

Because underserved communities are disproportionately affected by behavioral health impacts and are underrepresented within the behavioral healthcare workforce, each program will prioritize supporting students who are interested in serving underserved communities, and share the identities and lived experiences of these communities. PSU’s School of Social Work and its Counselor Education department in the College of Education share a deep commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion in their academic and research programs. Students in these programs are trained to provide culturally and linguistically inclusive and identity-safe environments for those receiving services.

“Our aim is to continue to diversify the behavioral workforce by improving recruitment, retention, and capacity of culturally responsive, culturally specific, linguistically specific, and rural behavioral health care workers into communities across the state of Oregon,” said Lisa Hawash, director of the Master of Social Work Program and associate professor of practice.

These programs already partner with culturally-specific providers to deliver professional development to students in these programs, and offer flexible options for graduate education. Instruction is provided in online, in-person and hybrid formats to provide easy access for students to enter and successfully complete their degree regardless of geographic location and pace of education.

Financial constraints and a shortage of paid internships are major obstacles to graduation, especially for the non-traditional student. Providing tuition support and stipends will improve students’ persistence (that is, their ability to stay in school) and degree completion. Further, reducing student debt is expected to increase the likelihood that graduates will choose careers with community agencies and nonprofits.

“By investing in our students’ training, this grant will help lay the groundwork for a workforce dedicated to serving communities with whom they may share lived experience,” said Yaghmaian. 

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Chicago teen who started college at 10 earns doctorate degree at 17

Dorothy Jean Tillman II’s participation in Arizona State University’s May 6 commencement was the latest step on a higher-education journey the Chicago teen started when she took her first college course at age 10.

In between came associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

When Tillman successfully defended her dissertation in December, she became the youngest person — at age 17 — to earn a doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health at Arizona State,  associate professor Leslie Manson told ABC’s “Good Morning America”  for a story Monday.

“It’s a wonderful celebration, and we hope ... that Dorothy Jean inspires more students,” Manson said. “But this is still something so rare and unique.”

Tillman, called “Dorothy Jeanius” by family and friends, is the granddaughter of former Chicago Alderwoman Dorothy Tillman.

When most students are just learning to navigate middle school, her mother enrolled Tillman in classes through the College of Lake County in northern Illinois, where she majored in psychology and completed her associate’s degree in 2016, according to her biography.

Tillman earned a bachelor’s in humanities from New York’s Excelsior College in 2018. About two years later, she earned her master’s of science from Unity College in Maine before being accepted in 2021 into Arizona State’s Behavioral Health Management Program.

Most of her classwork was done remotely and online. Tillman did attend her  Arizona State commencement  in person and addressed the graduating class during the ceremony.

Tillman told The Associated Press on Tuesday that she credits her grandmother and trusting in her mother’s guidance for her educational pursuits and successes.

“Everything that we were doing didn’t seem abnormal to me or out of the ordinary until it started getting all of the attention,” said Tillman, now 18.

There have been sacrifices, though.

“I didn’t have the everyday school things like homecoming dances or spirit weeks or just school pictures and things like that ... that kind of create unity with my peers,” she said.

She has found time to dance and do choreography. Tillman also is founder and chief executive of the Dorothyjeanius STEAM Leadership Institute. The program includes summer camps designed to help young people in the arts and STEM subjects.

She said her plans include public speaking engagements and fundraising for the camp, which Tillman said she hopes to franchise one day.

Tillman is motivated and has innovative ideas, said Manson, adding, “And truly, I think what is inspiring is that she embodies that meaning of being a true leader.”

Jimalita Tillman said she is most impressed with her daughter’s ability to show herself and her successes with grace, but to also understand when to “put her foot down” when choosing between social outings and her education.

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Chicago teen earns doctorate at 17 years old from Arizona State

Dorothy Jean Tillman II spoke at her commencement this month at Arizona State University. She successfully defended her dissertation to earn a doctorate in integrated behavioral health last December.

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Burden of Mental Disorders and Suicide Attributable to Childhood Maltreatment

• 1 The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• 2 Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
• 3 Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York

Question   What proportion of mental health conditions and burden in Australia is attributable to childhood maltreatment?

Findings   This meta-analysis found, after controlling for genetic and environmental confounding, that childhood maltreatment accounts for 21% to 41% of common mental health conditions in Australia, with the highest attributable proportion for suicide attempts and self-harm. More than 1.8 million cases of depressive, anxiety, and substance use disorders, 66 143 years of life lost, and 184 636 disability-adjusted life-years could be prevented if childhood maltreatment was eradicated in Australia.

Meaning   Efforts to prevent child maltreatment exposure have the potential to improve mental health at a population level in Australia.

Importance   The proportion of mental disorders and burden causally attributable to childhood maltreatment is unknown.

Objective   To determine the contribution of child maltreatment to mental health conditions in Australia, accounting for genetic and environmental confounding.

Design, Setting, and Participants   This meta-analysis involved an epidemiological assessment accounting for genetic and environmental confounding between maltreatment and mental health and 3 cross-sectional national surveys: the Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS) 2023, National Study of Mental Health and Well-being 2020-2022, and Australian Burden of Disease Study 2023. Causal estimates were derived on the association between childhood maltreatment and mental health conditions from a meta-analysis of quasi-experimental studies. This was combined with the prevalence of maltreatment from the ACMS to calculate the population attributable fraction (PAF). The PAF was applied to the number and burden of mental health conditions in Australia, sourced from 2 population-based, nationally representative surveys of Australians aged 16 to 85 years, to generate the number and associated burden of mental disorders attributable to child maltreatment.

Exposure   Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect prior to age 18 years.

Main Outcomes and Measures   Proportion and number of cases, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-adjusted life-years of mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, harmful alcohol and drug use, self-harm, and suicide attempt) attributable to childhood maltreatment.

Results   Meta-analytic estimates were generated from 34 studies and 54 646 participants and applied to prevalence estimates of childhood maltreatment generated from 8503 Australians. Childhood maltreatment accounted for a substantial proportion of mental health conditions, ranging from 21% (95% CI, 13%-28%) for depression to 41% (95% CI, 27%-54%) of suicide attempts. More than 1.8 million cases of depressive, anxiety, and substance use disorders could be prevented if childhood maltreatment was eradicated. Maltreatment accounted for 66 143 years of life lost (95% CI, 43 313-87 314), primarily through suicide, and 184 636 disability-adjusted life-years (95% CI, 109 321-252 887).

Conclusions and Relevance   This study provides the first estimates of the causal contribution of child maltreatment to mental health in Australia. Results highlight the urgency of preventing child maltreatment to reduce the population prevalence and burden of mental disorders.

Read More About

Grummitt L , Baldwin JR , Lafoa’i J , Keyes KM , Barrett EL. Burden of Mental Disorders and Suicide Attributable to Childhood Maltreatment. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online May 08, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.0804

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